Faults:
The central display has just started turning itself off at 102000 miles.
ABS light came on at 102000 miles.
During its last service, it developed an electrical fault and failed to start. This was linked to the ABS sensor (?). Now that this has been replaced, the car is working again.
Various bulbs, usually brake light bulbs, have blown and have needed replacing, usually during services.
General Comments:
The car is fairly comfortable. We've been to Germany twice in it, and I haven't had a problem driving it and getting out at the other end with only one or two 'comfort breaks'.
Equipment is fairly standard, six disc CD player that can be upgraded to a built in sat nav. It comes prewired for a telephone. I've installed a bluetooth kit, and this has enabled me to put my iPod through the existing speakers - nothing too difficult. Climate control increases the comfort level somewhat. Road noise isn't too bad for a diesel; obviously it would be quieter with a petrol car.
I'm currently doing 41.2mpg, which isn't the best when you compare it to other cars of this size, and with the price of fuel ever increasing, I would probably be looking at something cheaper to run next time.
The best thing about this has got to be the rear view camera. I learned to drive before parallel parking was part of the driving test, and this easily adds another meter to the space that I have to park in. The camera is sited above the rear number plate, and points straight down, giving you a view of the rear bumper and a little space behind. This would make it an ideal towing car.
All I need now is a camera on the front so that I can swing into tight spaces without fear of hitting the front.
My elderly in-laws struggle sometimes to get in and out of the back, because although the doors are quite large (sometimes a disadvantage in today's supermarket car parks - why can't we park on the diagonal like the Americans), the rear wheel arches can get in the way.
This car doesn't seem to burn any oil. I've driven roughly 60000 miles for work and pleasure, and have never put any oil into the car. Granted, it gets regular servicing, but the only thing I have had to fill is the water and the fuel.
Servicing costs are quite high. There are three services, M1, M2 and M3. I've just had the middle service, and this cost me just under £400.
To summarise, it's a good workhorse that won't turn heads, but will still get you from A to B.
