Now how long have I got?! It started when it was bought second-hand: constant oil leak from head gasket; noisy exhaust manifold; rust on arches/tailgate/bonnet; central locking failed door by door, squeaks and rattles everywhere, binding brakes, needed new alternator, distributor failed, i.e. we broke down. A previous 1986 model I had was the same but also overheated on 8 hot slow journeys (fuel boiled in pipe next to exhaust), had even more rust, it just had no electronics to be able to go wrong!
Well it did provide transport for a family that was cheap to purchase. But all the faults cost a lot of money and it was scruffy, unstylish, and depreciated from £4500 to £200 in 4 years! It was practical, it drove OK and was average in all other respects. If you can get anything better, make sure you do - I wouldn't settle for one of these!
Some you win some you lose. I bought a Montego Estate 18 month ago and apart from tyres,a new battery and cam belt,it hasn't had any other work done to it. Mileage is 138,000, and bodywork (especially round door bottoms and tailgate is not perfect), but it has been 100% reliable.
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