Nice little runner that has potential
At 30000 miles a new exhaust was required.
Badly designed parcel shelf, resulting in replacement twice.
The reliability of this car is great, and if kept well, it will last for quite a while.
Generally low running costs.
Good interior in the post 1990 models.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th August, 2001
An excellent choice for a first car, I highly recommend it!
No mechanical or electrical faults as yet, although the Nova's trademark rust is appearing under the rear wheel arches and I also suspect rear bearing noise.
Security is a real problem, I had mine broken into with ease thanks to poorly designed door locks that are cheap and easily barreled out by thieves, so be warned.
Performance is very impressive for the engine size. I out perform most of my mates in their first cars (Fiesta's, 106's and such like). The SX standard trim looks the part too with a rear spoiler, sports interior with sports steering wheel and on the exterior, nice sports wheels.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th May, 2001
A fantastic buy if you buy carefully - avoid Boy Racer wrecks
Nothing really.
Fan-belt slips a bit in low gears.
Interior full of squeaks and rattles.
Only had the car for a month - no real problems with this one, but LOADS of tired ones around.
Problems I have found include rust around the wheel arches and doors, leaks (particularly in the boot on saloon models), and engines only running on 3 cylinders.
Nova's have very little room in the back - look hard for a good one and it'll be great - drives better than an early Corsa and is much cheaper.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th February, 2001
My brother has the same car as yourself, a Nova 1.2i Spin.
We took it to Scarborough for a day out and it was an excellent ride, very quiet at motorway speeds (70 to 80mph) to say it's only a small engine.
Easy to spin the front wheels from a junction though, or was that just my brother's driving?!
I rate these cars as good, ignore the fact that 'chavs' and boyracers drive them - these are good little cars.
The Nova Spin is a great car with lots of boot space. Nice to drive in town and Motorways.
Fast and economical hatch
Expensive services but that's all!
Smokes like anything when you accelerate hard.
It's a lively motor but you lose the fuel economy of the diesel as soon as the turbo kicks in. It's alright but if you want the performance you may as well get the 1.4 petrol.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 22nd November, 2000
A flop in the pulling arena
Small back seats.
Wonky aerial, bad radio.
Me mum couldn't get in or out (though to be fair she is a bit on the round side).
Me old man reckoned it was a bit of a bird pulling motor, but it weren't for me.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 24th August, 2000
A sound car worth every penny!
Wheel bearings, rusty arch!!
An amazing car which is very quick for a 1.4. Mine still turns heads and everyone I know wants it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th August, 2000
None so far.
Good quick car, excellent acceleration (compared to a 1.2), looks good, not as common as an SR.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th January, 2000
Not a sausage!
Fast reliable car, very comfortable and still gets the looks as a completely standard GSi. I might put some bigger wheels on but I might just keep the thing standard.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th April, 1999
Wheel bearings, exhaust, heat shield.
Rust on front wings.
Excellent little car although it is an old design, only real problem is the rust.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 7th March, 1999
10th Jan 2006, 12:02
I owned a 1992 Nova SXi for 6 years and was amazed with the car. I had very few problems with it other than bits of rust on wheel arches and doors which I had repaired at minimal cost. Was a very sport car and the 1.2 engine was very nippy. I have now got a new shape corsa and am no where near as impressed with it. Who ever has my black nova SXi - I want it back!!!