Faults:

The headliner came almost completely loose after 200.000 kilometers.

The plastic of the bumpers is of such a low quality that they started to crack and fall of out of dryness, combined with the vibrations from the diesel (non-Ford) engine.

The locking points for the rear cargo liner broke after 200.000 kilometers.

Fuel lid locked up and had to be replaced at 300.000 kms.

General Comments:

Excellent, reliable car.

The engine wasn't Ford, but the body held together perfectly, especially considering the horrible conditions of the roads here.

All rubber seals, o-rings, switches, handles, cranks in perfect shape, all gauges on dashboard worked perfectly.

The car had an excellent ride on any road. Low center of gravity and firm ride made you feel like you were in a very safe car at any speed.

Highly recommended if you are on a budget, even though it's not the prettiest thing on the road.

Faults:

Since I bought this ZX2, I have put 40,000 miles on it.

The alternator belt came out several times, but I have to blame the mechanic for not doing his job right.

Then I have the timing belt changed at 130,000, and it was about time since it was this close from being broken.

After that, the car has been AMAZING, not a problem, just the alternator belt in all these years.

The only thing that I can think of is that the fuel pump is a little lazy, and it takes a bit to kick in, but it is probably due to air in the system.

General Comments:

This car is excellent. I really recommend it.

Driver's seat is uncomfortable for long trips (I solved it by putting a pillow on the seat).

Fast, reliable.

Clear coat is coming off the roof, starting 2009.

It is a car that I would recommend for a college student or young people. It handles great, it does 30 MPG + and it has low maintenance costs. It is ideal for just under $2500, hard to beat.

Faults:

Central locking drivers side jamming.

Lower arm bushes gone.

General Comments:

My Ford Escort GTi 16v 1.8L as standard was slow, sluggish and rubbish... but after spending a few quid (and only half way through my mods), I have got a huge improvement to the performance.

After reading through some comments... god these people! Saxos owners... NO... No chance in hell of keeping up with me...

Yes.. I can do 147mph (but that performance didn't come cheap) 0 - 60 is around 6 to 7 seconds. (again.. didn't come cheap) As for the rest of the car... It's a Ford... what do you expect?

Mods I've done... Exhaust system changed to Rage 3.5 inch back box with a Stainless steel de-cat. Sparks, Platinum with performance HT leads. Bluefin chip. 2.0L throttle body (Mondeo). Cams 2.0L Mondeo. Suspension lowered 40 mils. 2.0L fuel pump (Mondeo), and I have stripped the car out of all non essential items, and fitted bucket seats and harnesses.

My BHP reading is 195bhp, and the car's weight is 980kgs. (Yeah I did say non essential items... and I included the central locking, electric windows, sun roof, rear seats, door panels, floor mats, rear view mirror, seat belts (I have harnesses), Stereo, roof liner, engine bonnet liner, ABS unit, amongst other things.

I have video proof of me winning against a BMW M3, Toyota Celica, Ford Focus ST, Golf GTi amongst other cars.

Bad sides... It's a hard ride, smells of petrol, noisy, and my tyres need changing every 4000 miles... but.. as long as I beat you... I smile.