Faults:

Indicator switch doesn't always self cancel after left turn.

Had to repair tear in drivers seat.

General Comments:

I suppose for a 12 year old car, the above failures aren't too serious!

The radiator may need replacing soon as it has lost about half its fins, but it doesn't leak and never overheats.

Performance is blistering for an engine this size, below 5500 rpm, it's not much different from any other 1.6, but keep the right foot on the floor, and the engine losses its smooth purr and takes on an angry roar (very addictive), then watch Gti's vanish in the rear view mirror!

I'm 6'4" and the leg room is the best of any car I've driven (although the same can't be said for the rear passengers).

The cabin is open and spacious.

The overall build quality is good for a car in this class, still no squeaks or rattles.

Always returns 32 mpg, however I drive it.

There are a few niggles though:

Boot space is a joke.

Headlights could be better.

Extra passengers seriously reduces performance.

Factory speakers are useless.

The fact they didn't fit power steering and central locking, as on the lesser 'GL' model.

These are just minor gripes when you consider the overall package though.

It's not often you can buy a car for less than two grand and come out grinning after every journey!

Faults:

Nothing as gone wrong (yet!) but I was told when it passed it's mot that I would need new CV bellows come next year, but that's only going to cost around £90 fitted!

General Comments:

I have owned many cars and this is my favourite. To think that this car still looks and holds its own now is a testiment to its build quality and engineering. I still get total strangers asking me if I want to sell it... and its getting on for 11 years old!

Faults:

Replaced clutch at 90,000 miles.

Replaced radiator around 120,000 miles.

Replaced right door lock assembly at 140,000 miles.

Need to align the wheels every 5000 miles, otherwise tires are worn prematurely.

Driver seat is worn.

Clear coat on roof is pealing off, but this is a black car, and has been parked under the California sun for almost 13 years.

General Comments:

The car has been great ever since we got it. It is still as peppy as the day I bought it, and drives better than our 1997 civic. It made over 120 mph when new, and even though I used to rev it up frequently, the engine is still strong at 150,000 miles (I am more gentle to it now). It gets 33 MPG.