Faults:

Rust, and more rust. It suffers greatly in the cold, and if it isn't cared for, a large part of the car can rot away.

The fuel primer bulb and hoses tend to dry out and crack. If air enters the system, the vehicle will lose power or fail to start altogether.

Glow plugs.

This is a very common issue in cold climates. If the engine runs roughly, fails to start, or emits white smoke in the morning, it is highly likely that one or more glow plugs have burned out.

The fan activation system (relays, temperature sensor, and wiring) is prone to failure.

General Comments:

Over the many years I owned this car, I can say it gave me far more satisfaction than headaches.

I’ll start with the downsides: it is quite basic and spartan, with uncomfortable seats and fit-and-finish details that could use improvement. The dashboard follows this same theme; alongside the speedometer, there is a large analog clock that could easily have been replaced by a tachometer. The car I owned didn't come with air conditioning (though it isn't really necessary in Finland).

The gearbox operates well, although the fourth and fifth gear ratios are quite close—likely to make the most of the engine's 60 hp on the open road.

Visibility is excellent in all directions, thanks to the low beltline that allows for large windows.

In the city, this diesel model is agile due to its short wheelbase and low weight; it offers good braking and maneuverability, and while the engine lacks punchy response, it proved reasonably flexible.

On the open road, its handling is solid, with its greatest strength being cornering at high speeds. This, combined with its modest fuel consumption, makes it a very capable car for long-distance driving.

Its issues were not only easy to fix but also inexpensive to repair; combined with the fact that it was very economical—and certainly not slow for a naturally aspirated car—this made it a more-than-viable option for a first vehicle. I bought it with high mileage and sold it after it had covered a lot of ground. I look back on it fondly; they don't make cars like that anymore.

Faults:

Rust on the drivers door.

Some minor electrical problems.

Rear wheels rubbing against the trunk.

General Comments:

Surprisingly responsive for an 1.4, and has very good handling.

Perfect size for an single student.

The trunk could have been bigger.

The spare-tire is placed under the car, and gets very wet when it's raining, and you need to change tire.

Faults:

Valve stems renewed at 185000 km.

Left hand tie rod end renewed at 185000 km.

Door locks changed at 186000 km.

Front brake right hand jammed at 187000 km.

General Comments:

Very fast car, especially when accelerating.

Not too noisy.

Nice comfortlevel with electrical locks, preheated drivers seat, roof hatch.

Driving it feels like driving a definately bigger car with a more powerful engine.

Serious fun!

Faults:

The silencer fell off due to rusted exhaust pipe.

Some parts of front suspension had worn out bad.

Lots of worn small parts due to previous owner's negligence.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive. The handling feels sensitive and accurate, and it'll go where you point if you have the guts to do so.

It's none too comfortable, the seats are too soft and narrow for even the slightly wider shoulders. The suspension is stiff (although for obvious reasons).

The ride is not too good when taken on a long ride, but when taken to some winding road and driven hard it shows what it's made for.

The gearbox is close-ratio, meaning the car won't top 200km/h, but accelerates extremely aggressive at lower gears.

The clutch takes a couple of weeks of getting used to. It's extremely difficult to slip it.

Faults:

Front brakes replaced.

Rear brakes replaced.

Seats were in really bad condition.

Seats changed to leather ones from a 1.9 GTI.

Some problems with the electrics because the previous owner had made some clever "adjustments"!

General Comments:

This car is very aggressive.

Handles better than any car I have driven.

Much more fun than my dad's 1.6 GTI and my brother's 1.9 GTI.

Not suitable as a first car!

Faults:

Clutch wore out.

Handbrake cables (a few times).

Brakes wore out.

A few batteries wore up.

Shocks replaced twice.

Steering rods replaced once.

Springs replaced once.

General Comments:

A great car for its size and price. The acceleration is absolutely awesome for a 1.4 litre engine, although the short ratios in the gearbox make the car rev a lot at high speeds.

The handling is also perfect, especially with harder shocks and shorter springs. You can drive the car into corners at unbelievable speeds.

Wouldn't change it to a 205 GTi because of the insurance cost.