Faults:

Small leak in the radiator.

Some rust on the bodywork, but this is expected in a ten year old car.

Discs and pads replaced due to rather un-nerving whirr at high speeds and lack of braking performance.

Electric mirrors do not move.

Centre console bulb blown (surprise, surprise).

Electric choke occasionally fails on cold days.

General Comments:

Got this car last year as a general run-around. I'm over 6'6" tall so for the money I had I was faced with either a Cavalier or a Mondeo. Took the right decision when I went for the Cavalier.

The 1.6 engine pulls well in low gears, however in higher gears it does not perform but this is a heavy car so can be expected.

Not sure about the economy - looks to be around 25-30mpg but town traffic is always heavy on the fuel. Also, this car tends to feel very laden when the tank is full.

It's a very comfortable car given my height - it has always started first time and once warm runs smoothly.

I've put a small install into it, and it sounds okay - loads of sound-killing soft furnishings make it slightly flat though.

Over all a very forgiving car to drive - cheap(ish) to insure and very reliable.

Not sure it's one for performance or looks, but for reliability it's an excellent choice.

Faults:

Bought the car with a dodgy box, hence only £500. A 20k Tigra box cost me £80. I then did the discs and pads... oh and that's about it.

Oh, the wiper linkages are now a bit worn and they make a lot of noise. They have also started to overload.

Not a problem though.

General Comments:

Excellent. 201,000 miles and still going.

Get one.

Better than a Ford.

Faults:

Head gasket at 128,000.

Door panel at 128,000.

New wheel arch at 129,000.

Wind-screen cracked at 130,000.

Rust got resprayed at 130,000.

Central locking started playing up at 131,000.

CV joint started to go at 131,000, not fixed for another 4,000 miles.

Starter went at 132,000.

It's had a new battery and lots more general work like timing, pipes, pads etc.

General Comments:

I've lowered the car and bazzed it up a bit, but this car has very poor reliability. I still like the car even if it has gone wrong so much.

I suspect the car has been clocked and been bodged up a lot, but I bought it sold as seen so there's nothing I can do about it. I soon hope to get a GSi 2000 model.

Faults:

Gear box at 134,000 miles.

CV joint started to go at 136,000.

New turbo at 143,000.

Windscreen cracked at 144,000.

Front shock went at 152,000.

Central locking sticks on the boot.

Heaters don't work.

General Comments:

This car is fast, it will do 150mph in comfort.

It has been lowered 60mm and it has problems with speed bumps.

It has 17 inch wheels which fit on easily and stops like you just dropped an anchor.

Best car I've ever had, I really recommend this car.

Faults:

Interior door handle came loose once.

As for rattles, it has none.

General Comments:

I am only 18 and I love this car. People always ask what it is because I am beating SRi's, keeping up with GSi's and even I don't know how it does it. If you kick it hard enough it will easily hassle GTE's capable of 8.4. If someone can explain this to me please do.

Loves mods and I have done plenty. 17" League 65 alloys, GSi body kit, Peco Powermaster back box, have painted the wing mirrors black and a silver mesh grille.

Air box sports 6 2" holes giving off a beautiful induction noise, definitely recommended.

Also plenty boot space for my Fire and Ice amp and 2 10" subs also wired to 2 6x9 Sony speakers.