Faults:

Battery went flat at any inconvenient time.

Annoying bits of rust.

Handbrake seized up (frequently).

Fuel lines rotted out.

Anti-roll bar bushes collapsed.

Cruise control packed up (badly corroded engine connector).

Driver's electric window mechanism failed (pulled fixing rivets right out of the door panel!)

General Comments:

On the whole a good car. Comfortable and well up there with other good German cars at least on the CDX.

Bodywork quality not all it might be. Usual useless GM handbrake. Comfortable and nice to drive - good handling.

Performance and economy a disappointment. Car is underpowered and fuel consumption figures show this as well

Faults:

Rear electric window motor.

Perforation in the cam box cover.

Low intensity headlight transformer.

Electric mirror switch.

Air box sensor failed.

Alternator bearings.

Goes into flashing Sport mode by itself.

On hot days if parked when warm (although the temperature gauge doesn't work) eg. filling up, it won't turn the starter motor. Fixes itself after about 10 mins of embarrassment.

Mileometer stopped @ 103k.

Electric windscreen washer jets are forever furring up & the jet power is hopeless if the lights (& therefore the headlight washers) are on.

General Comments:

Wonderfully comfortable with ideal knee room in the back for teenagers on long trips. Superb carrying capacity in the estate.

Performance very good for a 2.0 8v & economy is good on high speed cruising although in town with the use of Sport for fun at the lights...

Too many goodies which seem to fail & if buying new parts cost a fortune.

Does anyone really pump up and then let down the air suspemsion?

No confidence with the local dealer, fixed lock damaged by attempted break in well, but advice on fixing problems, delays getting the right parts & THE PRICE OF PARTS!!

Faults:

Oil pump failure requiring a new oil pump, crank shaft, con rod etc. Runs lovely now!

Rear window seized.

Melted fuse box.

General Comments:

After a few initial teething troubles as mentioned above, and despite wishing I had bought a Ford, for what I paid for the car, which was £500, I honestly feel I made a good buy.

Faults:

Electric windows fusing, fuel pipe split in engine compartment, oil blockage in breather system.

Most steering joints replaced. On 187k now so hardly surprising.

General Comments:

Fabulously reliable car. Cannot rate it highly enough. For past seven years this car has faithfully put up with use, misuse, neglect due to dire finances and still transported myself and family around town or 1000 miles round country and back. I ignore the mileage, it still feels as if it would go round the world again. Would love a late model CDX or Diplomat, but would they treat me as good?