1998 Opel Corsa 130 iE from South Africa - Comments

-Clutch is shot, expensive to replace.

-Air Conditioner's compressor doesn't

work and is VERY expensive to replace with Opel dealers (about £500)

I never really was a big fan of Opel/Vauxhall until I got my Corsa. It's an amazing little car with great character.It's very fast for a 1.3 and beats any other 1.3 in a straight line race bar the Renault Clio 1.2 16V. The handling isn't too bad either and has loads of standard options like electric windows, electric mirrors, air con and remote central locking (model specific though).

The car has got good build quality, but starts to rattle at about 105000 km. Interior is well laid out, but is a bit dull with way too much bad plastic trim. Fuel consumption is more like that of a 2 litre than of a 1.3, but does get much better when driven on the highway. Standard sound system is crap as well and you better hope and pray that nothing breaks on the car because parts and servicing is VERY VERY VERY expensive.

This may sound like a very negative review, but all these things add up to the character of the car. It drives well, handles well and is very reliable (if maintained correctly). This is an amazing little car with loads to offer and will always bring a smile to your face. I'll definitely recommend this car to any one who might be looking of buying in the small car class!

I just want to comment on the review that I have just read on the 1999 model of the Opel Corsa Lite. There is just no car like a Corsa Lite! I got my little Corsa just over a month ago it has more than 125000 km on and it is still going strong! The parts maybe expensive, but if one takes care of your Corsa it will take care of you. The car can go quite fast for a 1.3 and it handles like a dream! For a car that is over five years old with that much kilometers on its clock I think it’s excellent! Corsa's were made to last.

In response to the comments made about the Corsa (27th Mar 2006, 11:49). I am totally in agreement. I own a 1998 Corsa Lite and have had it for almost six years now. I haven't been the greatest in terms of looking after it, but it has been extremely reliable and has never let me down. It goes like a bomb and has only experienced minor breakages. Recently, I considered buying a new car, but have decided to stay with my faithful Corsa and at present it is getting the attention it deserves. It has just had mags and new tyres put on, it's steering wheel replaced and is currently having it's electronics sorted out and will be going in for a major service. This car has definitetly served it's purpose with regards to a small car with a lot of guts. Dynamite in a small package!