Faults:

The radiator had no fins on it when I first got the car, then when I put a radiator on it, I discovered it had no thermostat, so I had to fit a new thermostat!

The handbrake has never worked while I've owned it.

A little plastic pivot on the clutch linkage snapped, taking the end of the clutch cable with it!

The alternator has recently given in, leaving the battery light on all the time.

The driver's seat has ripped on the side bolster, but was like this when I purchased the car.

General Comments:

Even though it has been very unreliable, it is still a great car for a laugh!

It grips the road so well, it'll rev until it blows up, and it leaves the 1.2 corsas standing!

It looks great with my 15" Osaka alloys, however, the 195 width tires scrub on full lock, and every time I go round a sharp bend, the back wheels catch on the wishbones.

It has all the qualities of a sporty town car and a fun Sunday country cruise, but I wouldn't advise relying on it for long journeys!

Faults:

Clutch cable snaps every 40,000 miles.

Blown cylinder head gasket at 130,000 miles. (my own fault!)

Handbrake lever arms bend and the mechanism seizes up easily.

General Comments:

I have owned this car from new and have used it every day. I still love driving it even now.

The bodywork still looks good, remarkable after 160,000 miles (yes MILES!) and mechanically everything is fine. Everything still works! I've had no problems with any of the electrical equipment etc, the main problems have been with the clutch cable and the handbrake/accelerator cables.

The car is extremely economical, easy to park and fun to drive. It under-steers a little, but the handling is very predictable and safe... oh and it is a hoot around corners.

I'm aiming to reach the quarter of a million miles mark with this car, then it can retire!

Faults:

Head gasket blew.

Can overheat during long journeys.

General Comments:

This is a fantastic first car for people looking for some fun. Ideal for country lanes as it handles at speed fantastically. The acceleration is impressive for a small engine and driving is always enjoyable. It also looks pretty cool inside and out, particularly in bright yellow!

Faults:

The right, front wheel squeaks when I turn right. You can only hear it with the window down and below 2,500rpm though.

I had the petrol tank replaced under warranty, although I had no problems with it.

General Comments:

I've not made any adjustments to this car, and I have to say it is an excellent little machine. The handling and road holding are excellent, much better than any other car I have driven.

The engine, also, is great. It's only a 1.1, but in such a lightweight car, it's more than adequate. It's no Ferrari, but it's quicker off the line than most of my friend's cars.

This is a very forgiving driver's car - I've accelerated in 5th at 20mph, done U-turns in 4th. Your concentration has to be really low to make it stall.

The only big issue I have with the car is it's very cramped with 5 people in it, and as the car is so light you really notice when you're carrying extra weight. Other minor points include sub-standard speakers and a very tight handbrake.

Overall this is a great little two-people runabout. It's great in the city due to a large turning circle, and motorway performance is great. I regularly achieve over 40mpg, even with my aggressive driving. A very fun car.