Faults:

This car has cost me more than I've bargained for. However, every cost, but one was must be considered to be delayed service. I'm just sorry that these costs came down on me and not the previous owner... The only cost that needn't to have occurred is that I had to replace the generator (the bearings had jammed). It cost me about 50 pounds.

General Comments:

This car is really cheap to own and drive. Insurance is extremely low, as is the road tax. Not more than 200 pounds per year (Sweden). Fuel consumption is just above 0,5 litres per 10 kilometres. In spite of this the car is quick, the engine has 75 hp and the car weighs just around 850 kilogrammes.

The car handles well on the road, the suspension is tight, but flexible, and the grip is excellent, although this is somewhat due to broader tyres than standard. The gear box runs smoothly, although there is some noise when I gear up from first to second.

Negative is the sound comfort, which is more adequately described as discomfort. Road and wind noise is tiring.

The car is surprisingly roomy inside, and I have no trouble of finding a comfortable driving position, although I am 188 centimetres tall.

Faults:

The engine power dropped when I turned-on the AC as it only used a 1000cc engine.

The car was too small and relatively unstable for intercity travelling especially when it was used in a highway.

General Comments:

Starlet XL 1.0 was an affordable small city car.

The design was quite attractive and modern at that time.

For innercity usage, fuel consumption was very economical, 1 liter gasoline for 11-12 kms.

The car was very suitable for innercity travelling as the car was very easy to park.

Faults:

My Starlet never let me down in 14 years!!!

Only the suspension had his best times at the age of 13 years.

General Comments:

The Starlet was the best car I ever had, no big problems in 14 years, I have now a Ford Focus and I had more problems with it in 2 years than with the Starlet in 14 years! I think I gonna sell the Focus for a Toyota Corolla...

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

My Starlet was faultlessly reliable.

It was the ideal first car for me, being economical on fuel and cheap to insure, although parts can be quite pricey.

It felt solid, well built, and relatively safe for a small car. It was also very well equipped, and compared to a Ford Fiesta or similar it felt quite plush inside.

It handled reasonably well with good road-holding, although the body tended to pitch and roll about a bit.

The main problem with this car was that it was SLOW! In fact, I'd go as far as to say it was dangerously underpowered. If you attempted to merge onto a motorway whilst climbing a hill you wouldn't even hit 50mph by the time you hit the end of the slip road, let alone 70mph. You'd just better hope that the other traffic can get out of your way!

The Starlets other shortcoming was the brakes, which although servo-assisted were woefully inadequate. If you braked hard to do an emergency stop the wheels would lock up almost immediately, but if you don't brake hard enough you just won't stop!

Faults:

Master cylinder leaking.

General Comments:

Bought for £200. It's my first car; I didn't like the idea of a Starlet at first because of their rarity, but it's in good condition. There's a little rust around the tailgate and a pinprick leak into the driver footwell. I presume this to be originating somewhere from the master cylinder.

The interior is airy and fairly spacious. Boot is large enough for a week's shopping.

Not a fast car. Engine is a 999cc, 12v four with little power and poor torque, so inclines are a problem. Five speed gearbox was a surprise, as most cars of this size and age had four speeds.

I thought it would be cheap to insure. I am seventeen years old and a new driver, but a one litre economy car would surely cost only a little to cover? No! It's classified in group six. All other young, first time buyers beware; stick to a Fiesta.