Clutch needed replacing after one week.
Drivers seat collapsed and needed replacing.
Exhaust needed replacing.
Both doors and sunroof leaking.
Roof at rear under boot-lid rotted through, needed welded.
Rust under rear arches.
Rear brake line burst.
4 set of brake pads and 6 discs (calipers were seized).
Chassis rotted and needed re-welding.
Alternator pulley burst coolant pipe leading to oil leaking into water due to overheating.
3 new alternators.
2 new starter motors.
Right window wiper motor replaced twice.
Quite possibly the most unreliable car I have ever heard of, build quality is atrocious, road and engine noise is appalling as are the brakes.
Handling is fun, but very dangerous (spun six times, even at slow speeds) and is actually very nippy for a 1.1.
My advice? Stay clear at all costs, it's your life on the line.
!!UPDATE!! I am about to sell the car, but have to repair the handbrake cable as it has snapped (again). The front left wheel bearing needs replaced to. At least the ready-to-explode engine is still holding itself together.
You were just plain unlucky with your selection of the car. Mine is superb for what it is meant to be. It's 13 Years old and 115,500 miles into its life and will continue on for another 115,000 miles. There is no rust on the car, but agree with the handbrake comment. In the last 9000 miles, I have replaced the Brake shoes, Handbrake Cable and have had to tighten it several times.
I think that the 106 XN graduate that I have is an amazing little motor! It's got 90.000 on the clock and still runs like new! I think that you were very unlucky to have a poor "version" as mine is utter brilliant!
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