Faults:

Radiator replaced.

Catalytic convertor - replaced after 18 months.

Alarm fault - sounding for no reason.

Battery replaced.

Front pads replaced after 10K.

Engine revs dipping when idle, sometimes stalling the car, only recently started after 36500K miles; yet to visit the dealer.

General Comments:

I have had this car from new and overall it has been a good performer.

Handling and acceleration are very good, and fuel consumption is average if driven in a sensible manner!

It looks good.

However I have had a number of niggling problems with the car, and feel that the initial 1 year manufacturer's warranty should have been longer.

Faults:

26500 miles - a bad misfire at about four thousand revs, then when idling the revs bounce between 500 and 1000rpm, and it eventually stalls. The dealer replaced the manifold pressure sensor on the second attempt. £79.

30000 miles - a knocking noise from the front left was a worn bottom arm bush. Of course got to replace the whole arm. £125.

36000 miles - brake pedal is hard to press. Replaced the brake pressure valve. £30.

38000 miles - bad oil leak when driving. Front crank oil seal replaced and because it was covered in oil, a new timing belt was fitted. £151.

Also the passenger side electric mirror does not work, and the car often refuses to start because the immobiliser won't deactivate.

General Comments:

Yes it is very fast and yes it handles brilliantly, but as one thing is fixed something else breaks, I just cannot wait to see what is next.

Maybe the car cannot handle 700 miles a week.

Also the 30000 service was £97 at my dealer and then phoned today for the price for a 40000 mile service, a whopping £210, if that is right I'm going to find somewhere else.

Faults:

Driver's door came away from its hinges at 45000.

Squeaky front suspension at 50000.

Squeaky rear interior at 50000.

Sound of rushing liquid when revs are applied at 55000.

Oil leak at 55000.

Gear box started to crunch - 52000.

Gear link snapped at 53000. Gear problems continued after this was fixed.

Engine stalls when most electric equipment was turned on (windscreen wipers, fan, lights, radio etc) and the engine fan kicks in.

General Comments:

As you can tell, I've had problems with my car after the 45000 mile period. Until then it was my pride and joy.

The performance of the car is still very impressive and its road handling is second to none.

However, this cannot counter the problems I have had with this car and with the dealer. The 'door off the hinges' incident was a manufacturers problem, but they refused to pay up because the car was more than 3 years old.

I would advise anyone wishing to purchase a Saxo VTR to buy brand new and then get rid within three years or 30,000 miles.