Faults:

Brakes pads and discs. Servicing and belt changes. No major faults over the time I had the car.

General Comments:

This was my first car and the car I learned to drive in. After being advised by my parent because "Most people's first car is the car they learned in" I stupidly done so, being young and naive and lacking critical thought, so I bought a Micra, even though learning to drive was not fun in this car, and I did not really like it.

The 1998 S registered car was a good used buy however, and proved to be reliable. Red 2 door, Profile model is a silly special edition with little to no extra's, very poorly equipped, no electric windows or anything, plus wheel trims. Most small cars from this era were the same though, unless you paid for the top spec. The interior was as dull as it gets, grey plastic everywhere. Seats were comfortable enough though.

1.0 16v engine was very slow, taking about 15 seconds to get to 60 MPH, and onto 90 MPH top speed if you are brave enough. You will get well over 40 miles per gallon though. Servicing and repairs were cheap and I guess that is this car's main appeal.

Looking back I guess I cannot hate it for what it is - an economy car suited to city driving and learner drivers. I have some good memories of it as a first car, but I would not buy another; even the very latest model does not tempt me at all, but probably because I have moved onto bigger luxury cars.

Faults:

Very little has gone wrong with this car. Basic wear and tear stuff i.e. tyres, brakes have been changed. More long term issues are now starting to emerge i.e. rust in some areas. I have also had some slight issues with the spark plugs and some other minor electrical faults, all easily corrected.

Both the interior and exterior are starting to look a bit tired, but really they weren't a work of art when it rolled off the production line.

General Comments:

There's very little I'd change on this car. Personally if I was going to buy another one, I'd buy a model with power steering, as without it's surprisingly heavy. This combined with very small wing mirrors makes slow speed manoeuvres a bit tricky. I'd also buy one with a slightly larger engine, as I could occasionally do with a bit more grunt that just isn't there. But that's it.

It's not an amazing car, but it has a lot of character. I've done a lot of long distance road trips with friends in it, and they all love it. For a small car, it utilises its internal space very well. Its economy is amazing; I managed to drive to the west coast of Wales from Birmingham and back, all on one tank with three passengers.

Basically, treat it well and it'll always bring you home.

P.s. don't try a handbrake turn in it, you'll just embarrass yourself ;)

Faults:

I have had no major problems with this vehicle, the tracking has had to be re-aligned recently, but can't grumble - only expected due to age and usage.

General Comments:

A very reliable little motor, nippy around town.

Economical on fuel, roughly 48 miles to the gallon.

Still drives the same as the day it was purchased, not too good on mountain bends due to the lack of power steering.

Mine has travelled across the UK and Ireland this year without a hitch.

The interior is very basic, but is tidy and easily maintained. Not much room for passengers with long legs, this is bearable though so I am told.