Faults:

The BMW/MINI garage I bought this from had steam cleaned the engine. When I picked it up it was running on 3 cylinders and sounded like tractor over 3000rpm. It was very slow.

They lent me a MINI Cooper for the day while they sorted it out. Now it's a little rocket.

The panels do dent easily - but the dealership did manage to sort them all out reasonably well.

General Comments:

At first I thought I would regret getting the 106 having driven a brand new MINI, but no! I actually thought the 106 was a better drive.

Very good acceleration - but then you always want more when you get used to it, don't you?

Extremely good handling - especially for a FWD car.

The power steering is nicely weighted (you can't do a 3 point turn with your palm). It communicates superbly with the driver!

Some people think this car looks dated - well it has been around for five years or so, but I think it looks great still.

The interior is typical French car - lots of plastic, but the leather and suede seats are a great addition. The firm suspension shows up a few rattles, no great annoyance.

Seems a very well respected car... Clarkson frequently features the 106 GTI in his TV programmes.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car.

I only need to change the tyres because of the kilometer it did.

General Comments:

Unlike its small looks, its interior is very spacious and comfortable.

It really handles very well. It's a joy to drive. You got that feeling when you trash it out. But in the city traffic, it's also very relaxing and easy to drive.

The performance of the car is not bad. Because of its light-weight, it is very quick and agile. Maybe an air-filter and a performance chip will make it really quick.

The looks of the car is very good. Especially in silver.

It's also a very economical car. Even you drive fast or slow, it sips fuel. Now that is a good thing.

I recommend this car to everyone because it's the best.

Faults:

The alarm kept going off for no apparent reason, later discovered that the interior sensors were faulty.

When I purchased the car privately I found that it did not idle well, and on many occasions would cut out, however after a full service everything is running smoothly.

General Comments:

This car should not be under estimated by anything, you see the red line in no time and with a little work the performance can be even better.

Faults:

Loads of problems with the alarm when I first got it which would go off 3 times every time I parked it before settling down. Only after 3 visits back to the dealership did the problem get sorted out.

Cracked radiator recently which was caused by stones hitting it.

General Comments:

This car is an absolute blast to drive, with loads of punch and handling to match.

It looks understated on the road, and other drivers regularly mistake it for a 1.1 or something. That is only until they are left for dust away from the lights.

Down points are the high insurance costs (£1200 comp for a 21 year old). Also you don't get much miles to the gallon booting it every time you drive it, but you can't have everything!