Best car I ever owned
Rear brake pads replaced 5 times and the front brake pads replaced only 3 times.
The LED duel gauge fades on and off.
Factory fitted radio and cassette failed one year.
It was great, reliable and robust. It was a great daily drive. I am sorry I sold it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 1st October, 2023
This car is awesome fun!!
Clutch went within first 400km.
Interior light worked intermittently, solved by re-greasing push switches.
Cluster wouldn't always work, solved (remedied) by hitting top of dash.
Fuel and speedometer gauges stopped working twice each over the time I had the car.
Piston 3 was down pressure, as a result blue smoke came out the exhaust under acceleration.
A very good first car. Recommended to all my friends.
Inside the cabin it feels fairly roomy and has excellent all-round vision. The vinyl and plastic interior is good as long as it's well maintained. Seats are very comfortable, and the drivers seating position is very good.
Performance is left wanting in the power division, although it still hit fairly well for its weight category.
Handling was soft but very predictable, making it an excellent car to have fun in; it felt stable and highly throw-able in most situations. This car is a very good car to learn in, and a fun car when pushing the envelope.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th May, 2008
Slow, looks a bit dull and isn't the coolest thing, but I absolutely love it!
Water regulator broke, but easily fixed.
I bought this car from my aunt to learn to drive in. This car is really easy to drive, you could give it to a 5 year old and they could drive you to Melbourne.
While the car was anything, but powerful, peak torque comes in at 2600rpm, the engine really does feel great for getting up to speed. Because the car has so little power, and no power steering, you really need to thrash it to get anything out of it. But it's a fun car to trash.
The car had done 135000 kilometers when I got it, and nothing was wrong, apart from the dodgy LED dash, which can get on your nerves at times. The fuel gauge is also terribly optimistic. At times, it'll be screaming "YOU'RE GONNA RUN OUTTA FUEL!". About 15 seconds later, it's fine "What? You've got heaps, I don't know what you're talking about!"
The car never misses a beat, and drives great. It's also really comfortable, and the stereo ain't half bad.
The body was a bit crappy with some rust, but that was down to the age anyway. I love it, especially for $1000.
Miss the poor old thing. Recommend it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd November, 2007
I bought this for NZ$1000 and it is a bargain!
In the 6000km nothing major has gone wrong.
Remote release for the boot sometimes doesn't work.
Power Steering is somewhat vague, handles quite erratically at times.
Drivers seat a bit uncomfortable.
Legroom in rear good.
Boot is big enough for two large suitcases or several dead bodies!!
Was surprised to note it had two spark plugs per cylinder. By having these I get around 650km for 45 litres of unleaded - cheaper than my Mitsi Lancer 1500!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd November, 2003
Cheap and reliable
Replaced thermostat in radiator as soon as I purchased the car.
Boot seals went a little off.
Engine has original seals/ties?, If car is well maintained it will be an excellent reliable car.
This car tends to lack power. A set of twin SU's will fix this problem if installed correctly.
This car is extremely cheap on fuel, and its confert levels are extraordinary.
I have had this car for almost two years and have noticed nothing wrong with it.
Installed a two inch single muffler sports exhaust system, this gave it a beautiful sound. Like an MG.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th August, 2003
A little gem- great first car
Steering rack was replaced.
Electronic ignition module burnt out and was replaced.
Clutch was replaced.
Front suspension bushes were replaced.
Alternator was reconditioned.
Differential was reconditioned.
Gearbox and/or tailshaft gives a vibration at speeds above 40 kilometers per hour.
Rust problems and water leaks in boot area.
All door hinges are worn out.
Most door rubbers are on their way out.
I chose this as a first car because it was simply the best value for money at the time, and it is rear wheel drive.
This car has so far turned out to be a little gem, with most typical high-mileage problems having been fixed during my ownership.
Ever since my initial problems with the ignition module have been sorted, this vehicle starts first time, and has never left me stranded.
Performance is typical of a medium sized 4 cylinder family sedan from the era, and driving this car smoothly is a challenge due to it being carburetted and having a notchy little gearbox.
It has a surprising amount of torque at low RPMs, and after passing the 'flat spot' at about 3000 RPM, a reasonable amount of power is made.
Handling is fairly nimble around town, but this vehicle is not stable far above highway speeds (140 Km/h).
The brakes are a good match for the performance and weight of this car, as I have rarely experienced fade.
As for the cabin, most plastic trim parts are crumbling or warped due to sunlight exposure.
All of the seats are supportive and comfortable except the centre rear squab, however rear legroom must usually be negotiated for with the front occupants.
This car can best be thought of as cheap, reliable transport and as such, a great first car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th August, 2003