Faults:

Can't believe this is still running so well.

Froze the engine and heater matrix, burst the heater matrix, awkward to get out. Then left the engine ticking over unattended, blew the radiator and fried the engine, refused to start.

Left it for a week while I located a new radiator, installed the new radiator and started the car, running perfectly ever since. Engines are bullet proof.

CV joint boots, leak in the hatchback. Leak in the sunroof.

Small holes in both front inner wings, favourite for cavaliers.

General Comments:

Great car, have 3 at present.

Go forever, last one had 145,000 miles no problems.

Cheap to repair.

Handles well with reasonable performance, chipped, boost valve, lowered and stiffened.

Seating is not comfortable.

Faults:

New battery, previous one failed.

New thermostat.

Extensive carb adjustments.

General Comments:

A very sound car, the paintwork is starting to fade but apart from that an excellent motor.

Not failed an MOT yet and a good polish would soon see it looking and feeling as new again.

Only a slight hint of rust on the rear wheel arch.

Faults:

Timing belt at 60,000 - going slowly so no damage.

Handbrake becomes inefficient between servicing despite new cables and brake pads.

Some rust around the rear wheel arches, sunroof and off-side rear door.

Operation of the boot lock can override the doorlock and it is possible to lock yourself out.

Otherwise only bulbs, tyres etc.

General Comments:

At 12 years of age it lacks some of the refinements of recent cars such as power steering and ABS.

It is very frugal when driven easily - I have achieved over 670 miles on a tank full.

It is very reliable and will cruise happily at 70 mph without complaint.

I look forward to running it for many years to come.

Faults:

Fuel pump.

General Comments:

This is a brilliant car that I got for £900.

It has genuine Recaro sports seats as supplied as standard from Vauxhall.

It's very cheap to run and maintain and has caused no major problems.

The LX range has great standard specs such as 8 spoke alloy wheels, tinted gold sunroof, and leather steering wheel complete with a rear spoiler to give it that sporting touch.

On top of all that you get excellent reliability and running costs.

Faults:

Pistons shot.

2nd hand engine fitted.

Rear shocks rusted away.

Clutch worn out.

Exhaust mounts loose.

General Comments:

Pretty good motor. So much more poke than my 1400cc Escort. Incredibly low insurance for my age.

Cheap parts and goes great with a Peco 4" exhaust and K&N 57I kit fitted. Turns a few heads and loads of space for hi-fi gear.

Faults:

Clutch at 120,000 miles (fair enough).

Speedo cable.

Water leak around the rear light cluster.

Gas struts won't hold up the hatch in the cold weather.

Usual plethora of bulbs & electricals, especially the dashboard illumination (which was designed by a sadist).

Engine: oil light flickering at idle, mechanic says it's had it & put in some additive 3000 miles ago, still goes like stink.

General Comments:

Quick, comfortable, practical, & seriously cheap if you find a good one: be careful!

Almost cheaper than walking: I paid 3 grand for it in 1996, and 80,000+ miles later I'm happy - it makes a mockery of the "pence per mile" figures quoted in the motoring press.

Handling is of the "exciting" hang-on-&-hope variety, which is OK for a big old barge like this.

Ludicrously economical: I'm getting 40+mpg from an 11 year old, 2 litre fuel injected car.

Engine performance: plenty of torque up to 3000rpm, not much until 4000, then its goes like stink up to the red line.

If you enjoy yourself, the engine will deafen you & it'll eat the front tyres.

Huge hatchback has been very useful: it can actually fit 4 people & their luggage & still shift. Group 12 insurance isn't so nice, however.

My mechanic tells me the 8 valve engines are strong & a doddle to fix.