Faults:

I have had to replace to engine after it was stolen in 2002. That was only as it was driven badly and they killed the engine.

But since then it has run like a dream and I am only now starting to do it up.

General Comments:

I have had my car since I was on my L plates and would recommend Lasers to any person thinking of buying their first car.

Faults:

When I bought the car for $100 I was told it had a leaking head gasket. After assessing the car I discovered that it was the water pump. For now. Following the water pump I replaced the points, plugs, leads, rear wheel bearings, CV joint boots, radiator flush and a good tune. Six months of driving caused the head gasket to blow and the head to crack. My best option was to replace the engine with a standard KA sport engine, single carburetter.

Now with TLC my car gets me from A to B and then to C and D.

General Comments:

The four speed gear box is the only downside. Fast, zippy and great in the mud.

A bit uncomfortable due to 22 year old seats.

Faults:

Points Needed replacing, rotor button, coil, spark leads and plugs and distributor cap, all part of keeping in line. She now runs so smoothly. Looked like they have never been replaced before I did it.

General Comments:

Great little car, reliable. Excellent performance. cheap to run, and solid little car.

Faults:

I have had to replace the engine after the timing chain went because it was stolen in 2001.

My break fluid container split about 950000km.

General Comments:

My car is a great little car and since I have changed the motor (it cost about $600 for a second hand motor and installation), it has been a great car and I would recommend it to any first car buyer.

I have recently resprayed it and know it looks better than new.

Faults:

Cv joints water pump master cylinder brakes shocks suspension oil burning seat belts seats rust tyres wheel alignment.

General Comments:

Too small.

Faults:

The first thing that went was the clutch, then we found that the gearbox needed replacing as well, so that was done at the same time. After that: steering rack, rear bearings (twice), exhaust, 2 doors and the bonnet due to rust.

General Comments:

Although it sounds like a lot has gone wrong with this car, bear in mind that is IS over 20 years old!

This car is nothing short of amazing. For the 3 years I've had one it's had no end of abuse, but still started the next day. It's reliable, comfortable and surprisingly quick despite the small engine. Parts are also very cheap.

I highly recommend putting some high end tyres on this car, because the handling can be great and a lot of fun.

Overall it's a very good first car, and with a bit of TLC could be made to last a long time.

Faults:

The cable, connecting the heater switch from inside to the heater under the bonnet, broke. Trivial I know.

General Comments:

The Ghia, being top of the range, is highly equipped, especially for a 20 year old car.

Lacks interior space, however. But I can cope, I'm small.

Noisy cabin - due to the age of the seals I think.

Metallic paint is attractive.