Faults:

All locks stopped working.

Rear lamp units had really bad earths so would flicker (if they worked at all).

Rear wheel bearings twice from towing something quite reasonable in weight.

Starter motor.

Clutch cable.

General Comments:

Very reliable engine. The problem was everything around it either stopped working, fell off or exploded.

Around 40 litres of diesel/vegie oil would last a good 600-700 miles. Unbelievable MPG figure.

Mine was non turbo so 0-60 was 22 seconds!!!

I definitely recommend the turbo diesel or petrol if you can find one.

Considering it is a van, a Mondeo or Vectra sized car with the seats down could carry a lot more things.

I recommend you buy an estate instead as they are same size, then when you have finished your job, 5 people can be seated in it, it's a lot more comfier/warmer, and you'll have side windows therefore no killer blind spots.

Faults:

When I first bought the car I had problem after problem with it, The place I bought it from only knew one sentence, "Sorry that doesn't come under the warranty". I pulled the car apart and fixed everything myself (except the fuel pump, that was repaired by Feather Diesel, Halifax, UK). Since then I have maintained the car myself.

General Comments:

It runs between the UK and S. France and has never let me down (I live in France but work in the UK).

Only things that have been changed are consumables eg: Cam-belt, filters, Discs/Drums.

It has covered over 300000 miles now, I will admit it is very tired and looks a mess.

How many cars can you name that will cover that mileage and you'd still feel confident that it will start in the morning.

I do not think it will go through the next test. The drivers seat is worn along with the seat belts, steering wheel and has a wee bit of corrosion underneath.

The engine doesn't smoke, burn oil or loose water. It starts on the button as long as you wait for the glow plugs when it is cold.

Like I said, it is tired, and as a result is very slow getting up to speed and holding it on hills.

I am that happy with it I could pay somebody to take it away and still feel that I had my monies worth out of it.

Only extras I would like on the next motor I get is cruise and climate control.

Faults:

So far nothing.

General Comments:

I like this car as opposed to the 1990 Escort 1.3 Eclipse that I previously owned.

This LX was the last facelift version. I purchased it from my brother, who had decided to get a Fiat Punto 1.6.

It isn't the fastest car I've owned (previously Rover 1.8 diesel turbo intercooled), but it moves quite sharpish. The 1.4i engine gives 74bhp, which is adequate.

As soon as I got it, I did a 89 mile ' Personal Road Test'.

In town, it is a dream. 30mph in 4th gear. On normal B roads it handles well at 60 mph, and on dual carriageways at 70mph, you can hear slight engine noise, but with the smooth ride, you hardly notice.

89 miles of that type of driving, & the fuel gauge read from 1/4 to the top of red. So is quite economical.

Exterior is good. Colour coded bumpers etc. Interior is comfortable & modern.

Overall, if you want a economical shed, go for the standard 1.3 option. Or for the much quicker version, 1.6i - 1.8i. But the 1.4i LX version isn't mega quick, but still has a bit of oomph under the bonnet.