Faults:

Automatic transmission required 3 rebuilds, each lasting around 40,000 km.

Leaking cam seals, crank seals (front and rear)

Drivers master window swicth, left rear central lock motor failed.

General Comments:

Great wee car that was let down by the automatic transmission. Failed first time after around 10,000 km in my ownership, judging by oil condition, due to lack of maintenance. Transmission was overhauled. After overhaul in clunked when selecting reverse. After taking it back the the workshop it was repaired the agreed to remove it and check. It was removed and found to be faulty and was repaired. Once refitted it was found it only had 1st gear. Removed again and found to be un-repairable. Second hand transmission was purchased, overhauled and fitted. I picked the car up and traveled out of town some 40 km. When I went to return the transmission was in limp mode and had return to town in 2nd gear. Fault was finally repaired.

Other than these faults and small electrical fault this was a great car. Handled open road driving well. Very economical.

Faults:

In the past two years basically I only had to change brake pads, oil and tires. The servo pump needed to be welded, but it still works after two years. No problems occurred with electricity, though on low rpm with the headlights on the engine starts to vibrate sometimes. I found oil leaking spots on the engine, but it can be solved with minor repair. The only problem is the high gas consumption in urban cycles (10-11 l/100 km).

General Comments:

I am really satisfied with the performance of the car. I use it on long distance drives, acceleration is really good, even from 100km/h in fifth gear. Though it is a small car it grips the road well and I feel it safe even in fast turns. The interior is simple with comfortable seats (my hight is 190 cm). Materials used inside are friendly and good to touch. The controls are handy. I think this is an ideal car for all situations for people living on low budget.

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong with the car.

The driver's side CV joint had to be replaced at 60300 miles, apparently due to the very good turning circle which stretches the joint to the limit.

The central locking on the rear doors refused to work during last Winter, but seemed to sort itself out at the beginning of Spring.

I have recently been having problems with opening the driver's door from the inside, I have to wind down the window and reach out to the exterior handle. I will probably get around to fixing it soon.

General Comments:

Positives.

On the whole, I have to say that this has been the best car I have I have ever owned.

Considering the design is now 13 years old, it doesn't look dated. In fact I think they are fantastic looking cars, especially with the pop-up lights on.

0 to 60 mph in approx 10 seconds and a top speed of approx 115 mph, isn't bad for 88 HP.

Third gear acceleration at 50mph is almost sports like, which makes overtaking caravans a piece of cake.

It handles extremely well, with very responsive steering.

Average fuel consumption calculated since owning the car has been 32mpg.

This car is RELIABLE, it has never let me down.

Negatives.

I am 5 foot 11 and I need to have the seat as far back as it will go, which doesn't leave much leg room for rear passengers.

There is hardly any storage space in the passenger compartment.

Spare parts are fairly expensive, the exhaust system (not including the cat) cost me £295.