Faults:

The brakes started giving trouble within a few weeks after buying the car. The ABS light would come on intermittently, and there would be a shudder when the brakes were applied. I took the car to the dealer, and of course, there was no problem. I went to collect the car, and an ashen faced receptionist, who was told to collect the car from the first floor and drive it down the ramp to me, announced that I couldn't have the car as the brakes don't work!

The problem? Dust on the sensors. They replaced all the sensors and very soon afterwards (the car was serviced at the same time), the problem started up again. Dust on the sensors again? Not trusting my dealer, I tried different repair shops, but they can't find the problem. They tell me it's not dangerous. Probably just dust on the sensors. Not dangerous? Stopping is pretty hair raising. The ABS light is on permanently now, and I'm probably going to have to buy new sensors again - about a year after the previous set.

A day or two after having the sensors replaced, the car suddenly lost power while I was driving. I could barely make it up a gentle hill, trying to get the car off the road. The diagnosis this time? Oil on the spark plugs. Apparently they would have to take the engine apart to find out where the oil came from - lots of cash would be required. I told them I didn't have the cash, so they replaced the spark plugs and told me that it would solve the problem for a day or two, and that I needed to bring the car back very soon. A year later, and the oil seems to have stayed off the plugs.

The engine also revs for no reason, usually in the mornings, but at any other time also - even when your foot is not on the accelerator.

And I've been through quite a few brake lights and head lights. They seem to just burn out - and, no, I don't leave them on overnight, or do excessive night driving.

I really, really, really dislike this little car so much! I did try to return it a week after buying it, but the dealer wasn't very interested in making a deal that wouldn't result in my losing a whole lot of money.

General Comments:

Sluggish and unresponsive.