Faults:

The valve guides oil retainers cristallized at 107000 so it consumed oil and of course, the exhaust oil burning smoke was evident... it seems to be a common problem on this 1.4 multi-point engine, because my sister and a friend both have the same car and the problem appeared at the same mileage.

Rear wheels bearings had to be replaced.

Front stability bar - suspension connectors had to be replaced, there was a little knocking on the front suspension.

Thermostat had to be replaced.

The last "bottle" of the exhaust had to be replaced because of the oxide.

Now, it seems like the CV joints will have to be replaced because of a knocking like hammering a wheel when turning with some degrees of inclination.

Replaced head gasket when changed the retainers.

General Comments:

Even if some parts may fail pretty soon, there are alternative replacement parts with amazingly low prices, this is a relatively old engine (the same used by Peugeot 205).

The car handles wonderfully in twisty roads, and that's because of it's micro-steering on the rear wheels.

Fuel Economy is very, very good, even if you keep the car under 2000rpm in city (13 km/l)...if want some fun, try to keep it over 3500rpm and it will give you some answer...

The aerodynamics are great allowing me to reach 120mph in highway (in an inclined part), I've reached 110mph in straight parts.

The car is very comfortable, well equipped for the price.

Also, this one has the bumpers painted, nice details as the chrome exhaust end, fog lamps, looks sporty.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong so far, parts have only been changed when they were starting to wear out for example;

New head gasket at 90,000 miles.

New catalytic converter at 100,000 miles.

New break calipers at 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

As I am only 17 this is my first car and so far it has been brilliant. The insurance was cheaper than many smaller engined cars such as Ford Fiesta 1.2's and is the only one in the college car park!

Some people think that the ZX is more dated and less attractive than its sister the 306 but I think the front and rear sports colour coded bumpers, chrome exhaust, front fog lights and sharp lines make the car much more interesting and sporty looking than the equivalent 1.4 306.

For a 1.4i the performance is impressive both pulling away from traffic lights and cruising on the motorway, even at 100mph+. It will beat any fair competition such as Astra 1.4's and Golf 1.4's in all areas, especialy from 70-90mph in 4th.

Handling, even if there is some body role is again very impressive on twisty back roads and roundabouts, but when the road is damp the back end likes to come out which is strange for a front wheel drive car.

The interior is pleasant and light due to a glass sun roof and the seats are very supportive, but can be a bit soft on long journeys. I replaced the head unit with a kenwood CD/radio and the door speakers with 150W 13cm Alpine speakers, which are great. The leg room is above average as friends are always surprised how much space there is in the back.

Having done over 100,000 miles the paint work and body work is in brilliant condition, no rust anywhere, only the annoying dinks from other drivers in car parks!

The only down side are the poor brakes that seem to take for ever to stop the car and petrol consumption over 80mph drops considerably.

Faults:

I knew the brakes needed attention when I bought it, but didn't realise they needed so much attention.

A garage close to my job put in new brakes all round and did an MOT.

Although I booked it in days in advance they didn't start the work until late and they didn't have time to road test it. I collected it and got 3/4 of the way home about 40 miles, and something didn't feel right so I pulled in to the hard shoulder only to see smoke pouring from the front wheels. I rang the garage and they said to bring it back. The AA recovered me and the garage lent me an old Audi to get me home.

When I collected my car they said the master cylinder was faulty and was acting as a non return valve so was holding the brakes on. It cost me a bit more money, but it cost them a lot more because they didn't spot the original fault.

SEEMS right now, but we will have to see.

General Comments:

I will be doing 400 miles a week for the next few months and bought this instead of using our VR6 golf.

I didn't go out to buy a ZX, but have thought in the past they looked a nice little car. This one is modern and nice to drive and I get 38 mpg @ 70-75mph.First car I have ever owned that has got an airbag.

I would have bought a diesel, but couldnt find a nice one for the money and I object to the way diesel fuel is more expensive than unleaded.