Faults:

I had to replace drivers side track rod end, wishbone, drive, and steering rack, all bushings where replaced as well as passengers side track rod end and wishbone. in saying this it was no fault of the car. An argument with a speeding VW passat not advised especially not three days after purchase. There has been no faults other than what the accident caused.

General Comments:

First and foremost this car is extremely economical 50+mpg in the city.

This CD spec is fully loaded no real difference in this and the CDX the velour trim is extremely comfortable and the wooden trim nice to sit in.

Full electrics make things a lot easier especially when your children like to put their windows down in the depths of winter (easily locked).

As for a diesel this car has great performance and although some people will tell you they handle like a bag of cats my experience is completely the opposite. It really does handle every bit as well as my brothers 2000 Vectra.

O.k. my only gripe is that it isn't as comfortable as my Volvo (which I still own) but then the Volvo doesn't do 55mpg.

I would personally recommend this car to any one considering, it really is super dooper.

Faults:

Minor leak on air-con system which was never found and resulted in a recharge every 12 months (£75).

Burst water hose at back of engine.

Faulty throttle valve (£160!).

Alternator failed and drained battery.

Intermittent fault on Central Locking.

Leak from Camshaft Cover gasket.

Battery failed.

Front suspension bushes replaced (and bolt sheared whilst working on them).

General Comments:

Although the above may look like a catalogue of problems, they should be taken in context. The car was a high miler when I bought it (77,000 at 3 years old) and the faults are spread over 6 years.

I do most of my own servicing and the car was a dream to work on.

Faults:

Front pads and disks at 96000.

C.V joint drivers side at 100000.

Thermostat at 100000.

Drivers side wishbone ball joint at 100000.

New exhaust needed due to none looking after.

General Comments:

Perfect starter all the time.

Very quick car (new exhaust and K&N air filter).

Very very comfortable and no noise can be heard when car is at 100mph.

Paint work is perfect not one sign of rust.

Faults:

Heater matrix leaked.

That's it.

General Comments:

Quick! You can lose most newer and sporty cars on a nice stretch of twisty road and any nova driving cretin in 2nd, 3rd or 4th gear (whichever you fancy).

I liked this car when I first drove it and I still do, it really is very nice to drive.

The exterior is tasteful, sports wheel and spoiler, but doesn't give much away of what the car can actually do - always good!

The interior is good too, recaro seats, black-grey-red trim etc.

Unlike with most 4x4 systems you cannot tell it is there until it carries you round that corner 20mph faster than you thought you could go.

Definately try one - but don't skimp on the maintenance cause the 4x4 system doesn't like being ignored.

Faults:

Leaking fuel tank.

My head gasket blew at 82000 miles.

Constant velocity joint badly worn at 80000miles.

General Comments:

I think the performance of this car should be better it is supposed to be a motorsport special edition, but only has a 1.8 engine. i think it should at least have a 2.0 engine.

This car handles well, but can get twitchy if pushed too hard.

The seats are comfortable and very supportive.

The dashboard is basic, but functional with all the switches easy to reach.