Superb
Exhaust fell off when I caned it.
Doesn't idle properly.
It is very quick. I've had 75 mph out of it in 3rd at 4500 rpm. Can beat a saxo vtr driven by a racing driver.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 16th September, 2002
A complete bargain. I will be looking for another one soon!
Distributor caps don't seem to last very long.
Rear wheel bearings - the first set were worn when I got the car, the second set lasted until 120,000 and I just replaced them again at 162,000.
Front wheel bearings, the originals lasted until 120,000. Replacements (not OEM) lasted until 162,000.
Battery tray corroded through at around 110,000 allowing water into the driver's side foot-well.
This has been the second-most reliable and long-lasting vehicle I have owned. It is now suffering from some corrosion, the most serious being around the rear spring seats and inside the boot, both corners to the rear of the wheel arches.
The car is on its second engine, replaced at 120,000 miles because the camshaft was worn and a low-mileage engine was a cheaper option.
Performance is good for the engine size and the engine revs very freely. It is quicker off the mark than an MG Midget for example.
Fuel consumption has remained a constant 42 MPG average in mixed driving with 55 MPG easily possible on long runs at 60 MPH or less. Even on long motorway journeys 50+ MPG is possible.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th September, 2002
Surprisingly quick, great fun and cheap to run!!
Automatic choke plays up most mornings. It gets stuck on which drains a lot of petrol, but a bit of carb playing sorts it out a bit!!
The brakes are a nightmare! Both pads wore down quick, then the caliper ceased up on the passenger side which warped the brake disc. After this the brake servo decided to stop working then the pipe which leads off of it decided to snap!! All in all cost me about £250 and they're still rubbish!
Water pipes corroded just about everywhere.
Huge rocker head gasket oil leak!!!
Considering the amount that has gone wrong with my little nova I still love it to bits!
I've had it for almost 2 years, but I think its previous owner didn't care for it so I've had to sort the poor little thing out.
I would recommend one of these to anyone, they are so much fun to drive! Especially when the twin carb kicks in at about 3200 revs it roars!
I've taken it up to 115 mph and it does 0-60 in about 9 seconds average which is really impressive for 1.3, even with a few mods! Its got a performance exhaust, air filter etc and is tuned to the max so it beats most other SR's too!! Its also really fulfilling when it beats XR2's and other motors like it about.
I must add that it also made it through water about 15 inches deep for about 2 minutes whilst business men in their flash new cars were broken down ha ha ha! Bless the nova!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th August, 2002
Good first car
The engine has started to become a little bit tired now.
Everything else is fine.
It handles well round corners.
It is better with wide wheels on it now.
Even though it is a small engine it is quicker than some 1.2 engines.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th June, 2002
Very good, cheap reliable, fast car
Auto-choke not working correctly, after using carb cleaner seems a bit better.
All 3 dashboard lights went blew (heater, clock etc)
That's it.
The only problem I have is the MPG I get around about 30, should be nearer to 40. I don't know what this is.
The seats are brilliant they hold you in nicely.
Ride is a bit harsh, but acceptable.
Very quick for a 1.3 lump, raced lots of cars beaten most. I've had it at 122MPH with 2 other people in the car at 5,400RPM. timmed the 0-62 bog standard in 8.9secs.
I did have an air-filter on it and an exhaust, but took them off.
Very good condition, starts first time apart from the choke mucking me about Sometimes.
The car has a lot of grip, nice for racing!
Very easy to get it to wheel spin in 2nd without trying.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 27th June, 2002
18th Sep 2002, 10:00
It would be nice to know how practical a car the Nova is, given the size engine you have as opposed to hearing how fast it goes when "caned"... Still, perhaps one day when you get bigger you will realise that beating saxo's isn't what life is about.. Get yourself an M5, perhaps then you will know what "fast" is.