Needed a new cam belt at 100000km, (This is normal)
Surface rust around roof racks.
Other than that a great car to own.
This car is a great medium sized wagon and is very stylish.
Also has good fuel economy, especially out on the highway.
A very good radio/cassette system.
Good power and pick-up with the 1.8 liter motor, over-drive helps a lot.
Very good and reliable for long distance driving.
Air conditing gets very cold, good for the hot summer days.
I've owned my 1997 Sports wagon for 5 years, and it's a great little car. It turns heads when driving around Darwin NT (Australia). I have only had to change the cam belt at 110,000kms, and a fan motor. These are a great wagon and have very sporty shape, and handle great at high speed, if you add strong full length side stone guards to it. The Stone Guards help it hug the road, and corner much better. I sit on 180kph from Darwin to the SA border with no problems. Top speed of 255kph (Tho I have had the bit done to the motor, but its still the 1.8 litre) I will never sell my wagon as it is my pride and joy. If you get the chance to buy one, Do it. The only 1 fault I have with the wagon, is the front passenger & Drivers side windows don't seal very well. Cheers... Mark Bowshire - Darwin Australia.
Sounds like a real beauty - I'm convinced and off to buy one!
Brian.
My mother owns a '97 Lantra Sportswagon, and I also drive it for my driving lessons, and I find it to be a great little car. I love it to bits, and I'll be tracking down a sportwagon as my own first car.
Stacy.
Are you sure about the 255km/h, that's very impressive, but very unbelievable! I have a 1.8lt Honda Integra and won't get anywhere near that sort of speed and can promise you that the Honda is far superior in Engine tuning and balance, maybe a bit over 200km/h...so to hear a budget Korean pulls all the way to 255km/h blows me away?!?
Paul Kennedy
Brisbane.
I have a 97 sports wagon and it is doing 6 grand at 170k and that is flat chat so to do 255 you must of had some serious work done on it. I have no major issues with the car its reliable has standard rattly shocks in the back and small seats, but never needs work carried out on it besides the general services.
I have just brought a 1997 lantra wagon, as I am a surfer it is fantastic!!!
It gets me up and down the ne coast with no problems!
Its great on fuel, and extra roomy!
It really comfortable to sleep in on surfing trips!!
Very stylish aswell...
I'm stoked on this car and would recommend it to anyone...
The only downfall if any, it's a little sluggish up hill with a full car...
Lauren.
I Love em and I want one and I
can't find one... sniff sniff boohoo
Frank newbery.
I loved reading these comments, as I'm picking up my sports wagon tomorrow.
It cost me $82.50. No, I'm not kidding.
My lovely brother bought it for me.. I only needed to pay the registration transfer. "Ain't life grand."
Bridget.
You lucky duck Bridget :)...
I got one yaaae, I've have had it for eight months now 133,000 kilometers and it runs like a dream.
I had my heart set on blue, but changed my mind when I found one in burgundy; the color seems to complement the shape better.
The interior looks brand new. The air-conditioning gets very cold very quickly and the heater is very hot.
As hard as I look, I cannot see smoke from the exhaust, but I expect it.
I have had it at 160kmh; the needle was still climbing fast when I backed off the the pedal, and the car seems to hug tight to the road. The same 84v low-profile tyres produce very little road noise and look great. The power steering is very good, great fuel economy, front and rear seats are very comfortable, and the overall design is excellent, I especially like the way the back seats fold down leaving plenty of room ;)
The only problem I've found is that the rain rolls off the roof in through the window if slightly down. I think perspex windshields will fix the problem for the front windows at least, and a large crack in the exhaust manifold.
I have had many good quality cars over the years, and I intend to keep this one for ever. I love this car to pieces.
Frank Newbery Moree N.S.W. yapyap66@bluebottle.com
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