1999 Vauxhall Corsa Sport 1.6 16v
Summary:
2 Liter beater!!! (Full service history essential!)
Faults:
The Cam belt snapped at 46,000mls and I had to have the engine rebuilt which cost £1400!!
The car spent almost as much time being repaired from further expensive mechanical problems as it did on the road.
Rear shock absorbers packed in causing the rear of the car to 'bottom out' over speed bumps and when carrying passengers or luggage.
Back box vibrated wildly when in reverse and at speed. Rubber mounts were replaced along with spring clips, but the problem didn't go away.
Gears would 'grate' between 1st and 2nd when accelerating hard.
Factory fitted alarm packed in.
I wrote it off in the end.
General Comments:
Despite all the endless problems I had with this car, I couldn't help loving this car.
Very powerful little car, would put many larger cars to shame!! 0-60 was around 8 seconds when driving alone, eating big 2litre cars for breakfast!
Never failed to start in the morning, but reliability was poor because of all the things that went wrong with it.
Handling was excellent due to wider 185 tires and stiff sporty suspension (Standard).
Very confident and easy to drive, but dreadful in the wet! Power steering was vague and not as precise as it needed to be.
Easily modified.
Good looking, especially due to the sports package.
Well equipped including power steering, elec windows and mirrors, air con, central locking etc...
Sports seat (standard) were very comfortable and supportive.
This is a very bad example of a fantastic car! Make sure you have full service history and that the cam belt has been done before you buy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th July, 2004
29th Mar 2007, 09:03
Well wash your car more often. How can you moan about it getting mucky?
Everyone knows that you don't put your wipers on when you have an inch thick of show on the windscreen.
If you live in a scruffy area full of smack heads and scum, then don't buy a nice car, as you're asking for trouble.