My Cam belt broke a couple of weeks after getting the car, resulting in 3 bent valves.
Bearings and rings needed to be replaced shortly after.
Clutch needed to be replaced, due to their size they wear out quickly, so you can't ride the clutch or you will be short pocketed about $500 Australian.
The car is pretty slow even when driving on your own.
Carpet in front is poorly installed and not designed to last.
The handling is fantastic after some bigger tires were installed, bit to much body sway, but not serious.
Being such a small car going sideways is pretty interesting, and has got good response.
Although no power steering, the steering I found easier than a power steering vehicle.
One tank of petrol lasts me 4 weeks around town driving, but repair bill is through the roof.
I guess it should have had the cambelt replaced earlier by the previous owner, infact it should have been onto its 3rd cambelt by 222,000kms.
PBR clutches were around $150 and easy to install for the home mechanic. You should never ride any clutch so it seems poor driving technique was to blame for that wearing out.
Timing belts on Charades are to be replaced at every 100,000kms without fail I replace at 90,000km to be safe, it is an interference engine like so many cars so if the belt breaks it will bend your valves.
The carpet is a bit thin, but it's a cheap car and replacement carpet is available quite cheaply.
Performance from a 3cylinder 1 litre is never going to be blistering, however higher octane petrol and a few other tweaks make them more responsive.
From the sound of things you do give it a bit of a thrashing. Sideways?
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