1998 Holden Barina 1.4L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great first car

Faults:

Radio stopped working at 3000km.

Airbag warning light came on at 12000km.

General Comments:

The car has been generally excellent over 3 years with no significant problems. The fuel economy has been excellent. Only criticism is on heavy duty performance. The 1.4L engine makes getting onto a highway or having 4 people in the car a strain on the vehicle.

It's an excellent car for a first car buyer. There are plenty of safety and security features.

Good sound system.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2001

1998 Holden Barina City 1.4 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Reliable and cheap to run

Faults:

Very little, I'm pleased to report. The driver's side window is very stiff to wind down over the last 25 percent of travel, and there's been some problems with the air conditioning switching on and off of its own accord.

General Comments:

The styling of the car is a major attraction, compared with similarly priced cars available (e.g. Hyundai Excel).

Handling not the greatest, but an upgrade of the wheels and tyres has led to an improvement.

Performance not a strong suit, but adequate for the inner city where the car spends 90% of its time. Handles country and intercity trips without too much trauma.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th August, 2001

24th May 2002, 08:41

If it's a Barina CITY, doesn't make it a 1.2 litre??

30th Jan 2004, 06:23

I'd like to say this to all. Every Barina from May 1997 onwards to the present, except for GSi and SRi models, are all 1.4 litre models.

I would like to have one eventually in a five door hatch with automatic, air and alarm. I currently drive a Mazda Astina 2002 5 door auto with the lot, which is good, but it's not really me. I am a euro super mini kind of a guy. Give me a Barina, Ford's Fiesta, a small Peugeot, Renault or Volkswagen any time over Japanese next class up products like the Corolla or Pulsar for similar dough.

You cannot go wrong with the latest Barina. Unlike a Renault Clio, you will not have an arrogant french salesman pressuring you to buy.

I hope at the end of my Mazda lease to eventually get out and buy a Barina, as they are so trendy.

7th Jul 2008, 20:02

It's a 1.4 litre.