1998 Peugeot 106 Rallye review from UK and Ireland

Both front wheel bearings have had to be replaced, having done just over 60K miles. This cost 300 UKP from an independent garage. The thieves at the main dealer in London wanted double that.

Had to have a new clutch at 55K miles, but I'm surprised because me and the previous owner have both driven the car quite hard.

The front discs needed replacing at 50K miles, which wouldn't have been so bad had they not been the the second new set. Again, this could be my driving...

I've replaced the original steel wheels with new ones (original spec) because the first set had started to rust quite badly. Not expensive, really. 160 UKP for the set, plus 20 UKP to fit.

I really enjoy this car out of town - it's a diamond on fast A or B roads (these are non-dual carriageway roads, in case you're non-UK based and are wondering what I'm on about). But in London where I live, to be honest it's too hard-edged an experience. The power is great for cutting through traffic, but the car leaves me feeling jumpy by the time I reach my office.

Mostly, though, I'm glad I have owned this car because it's a true GTi. It's light (under 900 kilos), powerful (over 100bhp), and nimble. I always wanted to have an original Golf GTi, and I think this stands as a good replacement.

What else can I tell you... Well, the exhaust and air filter were both uprated by the previous owner (an old friend of mine), and it's resulted in a seriously noisy car. I quite like it; I don't think my neighbours do. You can hear it from several blocks away!

Don't expect much in the way of kit - that's the point, it's stripped out. Good fun, all told, but I turned 30 last year and to be honest I feel to old to be driving something like this! Time for a change, I think.