Faults:

Smokey engine, not much else. Burns a little oil.

General Comments:

The Lanos used to be a common sight on UK roads, but not so much anymore. This was essentially a barn find for me - needed a cheap run about and knew someone's elderly Uncle who just wanted rid of this old car. It had been garaged since his ownership nearly new in 2003, and he kept it in good condition.

First impressions are it is obviously dated. Very 1990s feel and look to this car. But that is OK - that means simple maintenance and repairs.

Nothing special to drive, the 1.6 with the automatic isn't a fast car, nor that economical (best I have managed is 35 mpg so far) but all you can expect from an older automatic and a petrol engine.

Inside is in good shape, surprisingly comfortable and a smooth enough ride. The car is usable daily driving even in 2024.

Exterior is not bad looking, still manages to blend in with modern cars at over 20 years old. No one notices this car on the roads, but the odd car person will ask me about it and comment on its amazing condition.

To conclude, I don't think these cars were as bad as people made them out to be if they can last this long and still be usable.

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong with the car in the two years I have owned it, is every time I start it lately, there is a lot of blue smoke for about 5 seconds, and also a very bad tapping noise comes from the engine until it gets warm. Haven't got a clue what it could be. Any ideas anyone?

General Comments:

This car is very good. I have had it for nearly over two years now, and not a thing has gone wrong with it, apart from the smoke when starting and the tapping noise.

The comfort is good on long distance runs. The suspension irons out any imperfections on our rubbish Irish roads. If I was to have a complaint about the suspension, it's that it's too soft. This shows when you want to take a back road in it; there is way too much body roll to give you any confidence to go fast.

The power is only average. I drive in Waterford city every day, and it's very fast in town, but that changes when you go onto a main road/motorway; you can hardly overtake, and if you're like me, as in you don't do slow driving, this is not the car for you; it's just too underpowered.

Also, if you are a very keen driver, you won't like the sloppy steering or the soft suspension.

Overall a good car, but not for the sporting driver.