Faults:

One car that's a favorite when it comes to getting stolen.

Contacts for the offside tail light played up, but easily fixable.

General Comments:

On the whole this is a really good starter car which is very reliable if well looked after. The one I have was bought with very low mileage, but generally even if they do have high mileage they still go well.

Mechanically there very easy to repair and replacement parts are usually quite cheap.

There quite a good car to modify too because there quite simple to take apart and put additional extras on.

One problem that usually comes up when modifying them is when big alloys are put on the arches tend to need modifying too.

Rust can sometimes be found on the bottom of the doors and behind the front lights. On mine its started a little bit where the fuel cap is, but isn't very major.

On the whole I would recommend it as a starter car because of low insurance, fuel consumption, general good reliability.

If thinking of buying one be a bit careful because some can be neglected or abused.

Faults:

My head gasket had a crack in it, but now is repaired and runs fine.

Rust is the main problem. The bottom of the doors and the wheel arches are main spots for rust attacks. It only appears to be surface rust and with treatment can be easily fixed.

General Comments:

The car has amazing acceleration, but lacks top end speed.

Although the dash is plain, interior paint brightens it up amazingly.

The potential for adding many modifications to the car is never ending.

Faults:

I have had no problems as such with my Nova since I have purchased it.

However there was and is some nasty rust on the exhaust and wheel arches which I have had treated.

Also there seems to be some oil leaking onto the rear right wheel.

Not too good at starting in the cold conditions, seems to die after a couple of minutes too, I think it's a choke problem.

General Comments:

I have to say that this car is absolutely amazing to drive! It's very responsive and once it's warm is a delight to drive.

I like the low ride height and the pick up in 2nd and 3rd is quite outstanding for a 1.2.

I have timed 0-40mph and it's just under 5.5 seconds which is rather quick for an old 1.2.

The car just seems to love being thrashed, I can't wait to get my hands on a meatier 1.4 SR (if I can find a good condition one)!