Faults:

Break went at 950 kms

Rotator broke at 100.000 kms on the motorway (UK dealer had failed to heed my warning)

Electronic distributor went at 105.000

New suspension (front) at 115.00 kms

(I am still driving on the original rear suspension!)

Needed two new drive shafts twice within 4 weeks (dealer in UK installed the wrong model)

Alternator replaced several times within months (UK dealer again)

Drive belt replaced three times in two months (UK dealer again)

Refund for unnecessary dealer repairs promised by Peugeot Coventry - never happened though

Other repairs were very much part of the normal wear and tear on the car.

General Comments:

This was (and still is) a lovely, nippy car with lots of oomph for its 1.1 l engine. And it handles very easily and comfortably up to 12O kms/hour

It parks easily due to its size and its excellent visibility all round.

But above all, at 173.000 kms and 13.5 years it still offers me a consumption of 4.5 l/100kms at a reasonably steady 120 kms/hour.

In the light of the incompetence at the various Peugeot dealers and the disappointing contact with Peugeot UK, I would not buy another Peugeot again in the UK.

The car was finally properly repaired in France and since then I schedule my trips so that the car can be serviced and pampered at either of two Peugeot dealers: one in a small town in The Netherlands, the other in a similarly small town in France. Both dealers are family firms. They provide me with a free replacement vehicle too!

I have every intention of keeping this one going for as long as possible. Even if this summer's huge hailstones south of Lyons finally managed to dent it!

Faults:

The brake pipes and hoses perished with age at about 90K miles causing previous MOT failure.

The exhaust manifold required replacing which was difficult as the bolts had rusted on (60K miles).

The radiator developed a leak and required replacing.

The track rod end recently (101K miles) wore causing MOT failure.

It's getting a little smokey now.

General Comments:

This car has to be one of the best ever. It's great fun to drive and despite having owned it for 3 years, it's still great fun to take around the twisty roads of Wales.

It's also surprisingly cheap to run. With a little mechanical knowledge you can do most things yourself (the drive-shafts are very easy -- three bolts hold them in place!).

Sure, parts have gone wrong. The great thing is that every garage will work on it and parts are dead cheap. My garage even knocks 10% off the price of repairs as it's simple design is so easy to work on.

I pity the Max Power crowd who spoil the lovely exhaust note, the torquey engine and the ageless styling. They just don't understand what a perfect car is.

Faults:

The driver's door seal leaks.

Developed a hole in one of the engine cooling hoses.

Right-hand side of driver's seat is getting worn.

Sometimes cuts out when stopping at traffic lights when engine is still cold.

General Comments:

Even though it's done over 100,000 it still drives brilliantly!! The engine is very responsive, especially over 3000RPM. And when you rev it harder it sounds great. The handling is also superb thanks to the stiffer body shell and extra anti-roll bar under the car, it absolutely loves twisty A and B roads, and is a joy to drive!

The seats seem to fit me perfectly and because they are bucket seats they make the car feel very focused. The interior is a bit gloomy being pretty much all grey, but the driving position more than makes up for this! Everything in the cabin is layed out nicely, and is within easy reach of the driver. The glove box is a bit small, and some of my taller friends have a bit of a struggle getting into the back of the car.

Fuel consumption is very good unless you drive it very hard, and even then it only drops to about 25-30mpg!! I get 40mpg out of mine. And also, being in Insurance group seven it's not over expensive.

If you want a cheap pocket rocket that'll beat anything below a GTi away from the lights and that handles superbly; then you can't go wrong with this!!

For £500 I think this car represents mega bang for you bucks!!!