The only problem I had that could be considered to be a breakdown was the bearings in the water pump, which disintegrated. A crack in the engine block occurred after I unfortunately hit assorted bushes and shrubbery at 50 mph. I replaced the water pump and patched up the cracked block with epoxy resin which worked, to my amazement.
I got this car when I was an 18 year old student. It was the fastest car around for the money, easily beating XR2/3/4s, Capris and Golf GTIs.
Around town it feels like any other Jap hatchback, but once the revs go past 3500 the turbo kicks in with a loud whistle and a big surge of power. Handling is excellent considering the supermarket shopper roots of the car.
It isn't particularly comfortable or refined and people will think your Mum lent it to you, but that doesn't stop you taking enormous pleasure in blowing away Terry/Trevor/etc in his XR whatever.
The only downside of this car is that they are getting nearly impossible to find. Definitely recommended if you can find a reasonable one.
I owned a cherry gti from 85 to 91.It was a blistering fast car for its size. I kicked its backside for 6 years. sold it when alfa brakes warped and I could not find sensibly priced replacements. great fun for 6 years. xrs and rs`s did not stand a chance against it.
Dave, scotland.
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