Faults:

Alternator.

Radiator.

Water pump.

Catalytic converter.

Sump corroded, so replaced.

General Comments:

I own the car-derived van version of the Corsa. I find the engine (the same as in a previous Cavalier I owned, minus the turbo charger) to be excellent and very good on fuel. It is quite high mileage, but I do regular basic servicing myself, and the car always fires up on the first turn of the key.

The combination of a small, simple, lightweight vehicle combined with a very durable Isuzu engine delivers a satisfying ownership experience.

The handling is not brilliant on twisty roads, but the steering feels better in this than a petrol Corsa I have driven. The lack of rear seats and trim can make road noise quite intrusive on motorways.

Faults:

Front coil spring broken (£105).

Track rod end loose (£55).

Exhaust blown and heavily corroded (£165).

Worn tyres (£160).

Faulty MAF sensor (£35).

Oil, air & fuel filter change (£35).

General Comments:

This car is fairly nippy for a 1.0 engine, very good fuel economy, an ideal 1st car.

The cabin is fairly comfortable, but gets a bit uncomfortable after 2-3 hours.

The paintwork scratches easily, but it's not really worth repairing since the car is now over 8 years old.

Faults:

The car seems to blow lights often, both interior and exterior.

Drivers' seat a little wobbly, I have yet to have it fixed.

Power steering squeaks, but I've heard other cars doing that.

General Comments:

The acceleration is good up until about 70 mph where it diminishes, the car will then steadily reach 118 mph.

I really like the cabin, the car feels pretty civilised inside.

Not the greatest motorway cruiser, especially with the big stupid exhaust I had fitted (now removed) but it is a warm hatch therefore doesn't have to be good at cruising.

With the seats folded down its pretty roomy. I've been using it to carry amps/guitars/people around for two years and its done very well.

In general I've loved the car, its' served all my needs, be it to carry lots of stuff, nip around town or embarrass smug 2.0 litre saloon owners off the lights who think its 'just' a Corsa.

If your 20, buy one.

Faults:

After owning the car for 3 months the gear linkage broke costing me £117.00.

Oil overflow part keep snapping at the front of the engine leaving the car to drain very quickly.

Warning lines keep flashing even though there is nothing wrong with the car.

General Comments:

Overall a very reliable car that handles quite well.

Inside the car is looks quite dull and is all plastic.

Seating is pretty comfy and for a small car once you put the back seats downyou will be suprised how much room there is, once got a fridge freezer in the car and still could close the boot.

Faults:

Needed a new Cat and Exhaust System.

Needed a new Clutch.

Needed stronger ABS C. V Joints.

Needed a Idle Control Valve.

General Comments:

Good vehicle for newly passed drivers.

Economical, insurance and tax.

Engine sounds like a vacuum cleaner after 4000RPM.

Nice interior.

Handling's not too bad for a car without rear anti roll bar.

Faults:

Broken wing mirror on delivery.

Timer modules for both indicators had to be replaced.

Cracked windscreen due to the carelessness of the dealer when replacing the timer modules.

General Comments:

Slow - very slow.

Cabin was very plasticy.

Uncomfortable seats.

Next to no upgrade options.

Horrible handling.

Faults:

This car is supremely reliable, with nothing of major consequence going wrong.

The only fault I have experienced is with the heater bulb for the rear heated windscreen which failed at 31,000 miles.

General Comments:

Having had a terrible S-registration Fiesta Finesse previously, I have been very grateful to the little Corsa for its reliability and comfort.

Having the 1.0 12v 3-cylinder engine means that this is no pocket rocket, but it keeps up well with the traffic and has good torque in the 50-70mph range where it matters. It cruises very quietly beyond 70mph and, at motorway speeds, maintains a smooth and comfortable ride.

In fact, I use this car for mainly motorway driving (80 miles on the M6 every day) and never feel tired when I get to work.

I have been very pleased with the cars' reliability, particularly given the mileage I do. It just keeps on going without complaint, and all it requires is routine servicing which I have done according to the manufacturer's schedule at my local Vauxhall dealer.

Talking of dealers, this was the most pleasant purchasing experience I have ever had with a car. It was a bargain price (£4,700), with a Vauxhall backed warranty and free roadside recovery, and the Network Q dealer has provided excellent customer care. A visit to a different Vauxhall dealer on one occasion, however, did suggest that I have been very lucky with my own local franchise!

The GLS specification is definitely worth seeking out - this car has electric windows, central deadlocks, electric Power Assissted Steering, heated and electrically adjusted mirrors, a good Blaupunkt RDS radio cassette, and height seat adjustment on the driver's seat. There is also a driver's airbag, and three rear head rests.

My example is white - a colour which suits the Corsa, particularly with the GLS' colour coded bumpers and door mirrors.

23,000 miles on, I still love the car and plan to keep it for a few years yet. An excellent buy.