Faults:

Engine Missing firing and Hesitating between 3000rpm and 4000rpm, ECU (Engine management) light comes on. Took car to Garage £200 for the TDC (Top Dead Centre) sensor fitted.

The same day got the same problem car went back to garage, the whole ECU had to be re-mapped, another £200!

1 month later ABS sensors went, £75!

Approximately 3 weeks later car started to run on three cylinders, had complete new fuel injectors and fueling system, £300!

2 weeks later car miss firing again and idling erratically, back to my now friends at the garage. Engine flush and oil change to clear now sticking valves, £35.

2 weeks later, back to the garage for the same problem, they ran car on pure gas to clear out cylinder chamber, £75.

They told me that if same problem happened again it would need the valves either replaced or cleaned and polished if possible, this would cost £600-£800.

3 days later car part exchanged now just waiting to pick up new car.

The guys are happy, but poorer!

General Comments:

I sold my 2 year old Fiesta Zetec-S to clear my debts, what a mistake.

This car has been problem after problem, don't buy one.

They are quick when they work which isn't often, but it handles like a banana boat on choppy day.

I've had 3 Vauxhalls before the most recent was a 100,000+ miles Nova Gsi which I had for two years and just got serviced and mot'd once a year, so I'm not that disappointed with Vauxhall.

Apparently the sticking valve problem has just come to light and is happening a lot, has anyone reading this had similar problems?

Faults:

Water is leaking from around the windshield, but I can't locate it.

General Comments:

Not for long journeys.

The first gear is reluctant to be used.

The gearbox must be really worked to get anywhere.

No power steering means the steering is surprisingly heavy.

Poor ride quality and boring ride with 'bubble car' looks puts me off driving it.

Skinny wheels mean one must hold on tight around any corner and beware in even slight winds.

Very economical though.

Faults:

Water pump replaced at 81000 miles due to corrosion.

Corrosion on drivers side chassis rail currently awaiting repair.

Seat rails repaired under Vauxhall recall.

Sump pan and gasket, handbrake cables and rear brake cylinder replaced at 69000 miles.

This car frequently refuses to accept first gear with the handbrake applied.

General Comments:

The handling on corners could be better, if you haven't got passengers in it can lose grip. The car is sensitive to the wheel alignment being out, good tyres and correctly aligned wheels considerably improve the drive.

The acceleration on this model is adequate, but overtaking on hills takes patience without careful use of gears.

I love the sporty three door body, the newer models and 5-door versions are less appealing.

This has plenty of luggage space and split rear seats, bags of room for those Ruby Wax style shopping trips. It has a lockable glove compartment and handy map shelf. The door panel pockets are however fiddly to clean inside.

The dashboard and controls are well laid out, with the exception of the fog light switch, which is hidden by the steering wheel in most driving positions.

The wheels are set quite wide in the wheel arches - this means the wheel trims are quite easily damaged on high kerbs.

The black/grey bumper areas tend to fade, repaired sections mismatch to original colour. The bumper areas offer good accident protection.

There is plenty of headroom, I frequently carry 6'3" passengers comfortably. The rear seat would be very cramped with three adults. I find the only comfortable driving position is with the seat fully forward in order to reach the pedals.

The pedals are small and close together, difficult to drive for people wearing large boots.

The gears and handbrake are easy to reach and apply.

This car has been very reliable and starts happily even in cold weather. It has only once not started, this was due to the battery requiring replacement.

I would hesitate to recommend Vauxhall dealerships. I have found that I received better value and service elsewhere.

This car, in a three door, metallic paint finish, feels fun, sexy and will take you anywhere you want to go. A lively ride, a lovely car.