Faults:

Only ever let me down once (but was on the way to an interview).

Apart from that, it was the usual consumables and keeping the dreaded tin-worm at bay.

Other than the bodywork, I did most of the work myself.

General Comments:

I inherited this car from an uncle who could no longer drive a manual and found that the car wasn't worth anything, so he gave it to me. It was in fairly good condition when I got it, and I tried to keep it that way until she came off the road in 1996 (still stored at my Dad's, but probably not worth saving).

The gearbox had lost syncro on 1st and 2nd, which made for fun, particularly when changing down.

The engine wasn't really up for the size of the car (Dad had a larger engined model which went well). However she cruised OK on motorways, despite the 4 speed box, and unless you caned her, the fuel economy was very good.

Comfort was acceptable, but she rolled like a boat in corners, and a lot of the interior panels vibrated.

Carrying capacity was huge, and I even camped in her on occasion.

All in all she was a great first car (except for the on-going battle with the rust), and did me well until I got a job and a newer car.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 70,000 miles.

Cassette player kept chewing up tapes and was replaced at 84,000 miles.

Interior trim was very flimsy and easily breakable. (I dislodged some of the interior trim when loading a push chair into the boot!)

Seats were very badly worn when I bought the car and I seriously considered replacing them more than once.

General Comments:

The Alpine wasn't at all a bad car, but in no way was it outstanding.

Its reliability wasn't too bad considering its age and mileage.

It was a bit flimsy, but I have been in worse built cars.

Faults:

Nothing major in the time I owned it, which is a miracle because they didn't get a good press at the time.

Build quality was pretty poor though - it was built in 1970s France after all. The dashboard, rear parcel shelf, and radio speakers all rattled and vibrated.

Heated rear window never worked.

Rust started rearing its ugly head after two years. Thin French steel.

General Comments:

The Alpine was a 5-door hatchback built by Simca in France and sold as a Chrysler in the UK.

Good grip when cornering, but very soft suspension was enough to make anyone seasick.

1.3 litre engine was reliable, but not really adequate for the size of the car.

Rust was a real problem on these cars, There aren't many left now.