Faults:

3 days after the warranty expired, water started leaking from somewhere behind the gearbox, but it doesn't seem to affect the car, we just keep topping it up.

Central locking sometimes is noisy.

General Comments:

Reasonable performance from the 1.4 litre 16v engine, but the engine revs quite high in 5th gear at motorway speeds, and is not all that economical.

Faults:

Engine management system (ECU) failed but was replaced free of charge even out of warranty.

Cylinder head gasket at approx 50k - not so good!

Rear silencer box.

General Comments:

Underrated car. Goes like a rocket if you keep the revs above 5k. Keep the revs down and get 40 or more mpg. Handles like a big mini so you can really chuck it around but watch for the understeer.

Running costs (excluding servicing) are low. Loads of fun for a good price.

A few niggles - the driver's side door mirror doesn't go far enough out for me.

The left foot rest is uncomfortable.

Quite a few rattles and squeaks from the dash area.

The sun visor will not stay in position - it 'snaps' onto the windscreen on a spring.

Haven't looked at the newer 25 but these criticisms might have been sorted by now.

Servicing at my local dealer is VERY expensive!

Overall, I like it a lot and would buy another.

Faults:

The only things so far are that the glass section on one of the wing mirrors has come loose and a few of the bars on the rear screen heater don't seem to work, but nothing major.

General Comments:

Excellent mix of performance and economy. If all you want is to drive around town at 30mph, not a problem, but show the car a clear B road and there is no doubt you'll be smiling from ear to ear. With more than enough grunt for overtaking and with all the toys inside a comfortable, well put together cabin these cars are very under-rated!

Faults:

Exhaust gasket in the second week.

General Comments:

The later Coupe with the improved interior is better, the build quality is improved also.

A distictive looker with all the toys, VVC is great engine with performance and economy, very good 2nd hand buy at £7000 on a P.

Underrated coupe, low running costs, looks better than Calibras, Escorts, and others.

Faults:

Not much so far, I hit a mini roundabout and now need the tracking sorted, other than that I am 5"10' and my head rubs on the roof!

General Comments:

Great motor, I had the choice of this, a couple of Meganes and a few Japanese cars. I think I definitely made the right choice. I keep being told that there are troubles ahead with the head gasket and oil leaks but everything I read, says the engine is strong, reliable and won awards back in the Nineties. The stereo is the best I have heard.