Faults:

Engaging overdrive button results in the transmission shifting to neutral gear.

Boot takes in water, requiring the drilling of two drain holes in the floor of the tyre well. Unfortunately the jack has completely rusted up as a result of the water leak, and is now unusable.

General Comments:

Smallish car with a 3 litre V6 that makes it fly!

This car handles brilliantly and always starts first time, even in subzero temperatures, which we had a few weeks back.

Very basic setup with three speed auto gearbox + overdrive, great brakes, although not ABS.

I let the kids use this car to knock about in. It just won't die!

My father had one of these in top-spec SEi form, and cruise control would have been good for this vehicle, but alas is absent.

Without overdrive, it's thirstier than my Lexus V8. Doesn't use any oil or water, and haven't had any servicing issues thus far.

If you can get a tidy one second hand, they are bulletproof.

Faults:

Timing belt replaced at 250K.

Engine oil leaks now.

Driver's window winder screws need constant adjustment.

General Comments:

Great power and torque from V6.

A little understeer, but otherwise direct in steering.

FWD limits usefulness for towing, but still good.

Engine needs a makeover, but not surprising with the K's on the clock.

Little information available on the Web, being an NZ-specific model.

Just keeps on truckin'.

Faults:

When I brought the car it had a fault with the stereo. Took almost a month for the dealer to have it fixed.

The front brake disks needed to be skimmed and the pads replaced at 139000kms due to brake shudder.

General Comments:

Just after I brought the car I had an LPG system installed due to fluctuating petrol prices at the pumps here in NZ.

Although the exterior was not too pleasing to the eye, that was all I could fault with this particular car.

The interior view was more pleasing and I was somewhat initially confused by the luxury gadgets, but soon became familiar with their functions.

After 3 hours of good cornering and smooth road handling, it made you feel that you hadn't just finished a few rounds with Mr Tyson.

The V3000 is not overly quick, but is no slug either when overtaking.

I had previously owned cars which were either screamers or roarers.

So it was a delightful pleasure to whip along rolling country side with a motor that just purred.

The LPG system ran without a hitch and reduced my gas bill with great satisfaction.