Faults:

Well - what went wrong.

1.Picked the car up from this chap said it "Needs a good run" Discovered front left - (When sat driving) caliper was seized shut new pads got eaten before it unseized - major white smoke from wheel and bonnet dip - had to park and wait for cool down then drove OK until next pad fitted.

2. Overheated engine from Electric fan switch faulty - scrap replace fixed.

3. Major whirring from body cavity at 15mph plus thought wheel bearing - so loud! could not identify so ran to company in London who found front and only Differential stuffed - had to strip bottom of engine to replace as unlike other FWD cars is actually in the Engine - all done quiet now - can talk to partner.

4. Obvious wearing components - tyres, wipers Oh and faulty plug / in / out heater fan.

5. Fault at present is steering - round corner left OK - (at speed) then as straightening up to straight line car "Clunks from front end - and over steers to right!!!

That's after a M.O.T. and garage inspection, I think track rod ends, bottom pins or bushes on stabiliser bar. When we have some more money I think we will change the steering rack as the gaiters are on their way!

All in all it's an OK car 50mpg long runs starts well always no intermittant wipers though winding on wiper motor went when wiper stuck with ice to screen.

Cost us £350 but with all repairs = £1,346.49 in total for two years motoring I realise some expensive cars depreciate by that and the fact its not a magnet for car thieves.

So it runs and runs and runs - I hope.

General Comments:

Good reliable car - no rust body except windscreen surround - fill the join with sealant to solve - and maintain oil and water - see if we can sell it for what we got it for, with a years ticket next M.O.T, once I figure the steering problem or maybe it will go on and on and on.

P.S. If anyone reading this has same model or had one with same fault please put the remedy here or Email me at raoul_maher@hotmail.com Thks.

I think this site is great for finding out about faults, I will use it before I get my next car maybe a Renault!!!

Faults:

Gearbox mount failed.

Carburettor goes out of tune easily.

General Comments:

The car is very reliable and pleasant to drive.

The 4 speed gearbox doesn't help the fuel economy, but if driven carefully it manages 39 mpg.

The heater works very well.

When the engine is cold it is very slow, but when it warms up it is a dream.

Faults:

I had an electrical fault which blew the battery and the alternator. Also the radiator and water pump both went in the same week {the first week I had owned the car. The clutch has started slipping and the drivers seat is wearing quite badly.

General Comments:

The 5 is the best fun you can have with your trousers on.

Mine has been lowered 60mm and you can chuck it around corners like it's a go cart. Also the acceleration on them for a 1.4 engine is quite amazing.

It is unfortunate that they have so many common faults, but if you look after them and build them strong then you can overcome these problems. I have driven many 'so called' hot hatches and only one or two of them compares with the 5.