Faults:

Engine overheating and finally boiling in a traffic jam while coming home after purchase. Electric radiator cooling fan stopped working.

Numerous power steering fluid leaks.

Rear brake shoe self adjustment not working.

Alternator belt premature wear due to corroded alternator pulley.

Frequent C.V. joint outer boot replacements (lost count of how many).

Manual transmission oil leak leading to gear box running dry, causing difficult shifting.

Complete exhaust replaced with 2 inch stainless custom unit.

Ignition coil failed.

Main ECU relay failed.

Chewed through clutch, needing new kit soon after purchase.

New clutch hydraulics replaced (leaking).

New wiper blades.

Front brake pads + rotors.

New HT leads + high performance spark plugs.

Failed lower radiator hose due to power steering fluid leaking from pump falling on it.

Outer stabiliser bar link bushes replaced.

Leaky radiator fixed with additive + coolant.

Headlight switch developed problems not working on high beam.

Fuel pump failed.

General Comments:

Low budget pocket rocket. Gave me the best fun I ever had with my clothes on!

Replaced horrible old factory steering with a smaller racing wheel. Did loads of good.

Ice cold air conditioning.

Loads of power to keep up, even challenge much newer cars at traffic lights.

Best looking Astina ever made. Still turned heads at 17 years of age!

Very good performance for such an old car, would have have been better with discs at the rear.

Not very efficient especially when driven hard.

Engine - a masterpiece of engineering, powerful, loves to rev hard and runs very smooth, pity the transmission could not handle it.

Had to replace factory sealed beams with halogens and upgraded lights, but filled up with water soon after.

Tends to gently understeer near its handling limits when cornering. High front tyre wear (15000 km's a set).

Replaced drab grey interior with custom red/black seat covers and carpeting. Fitted high power aftermarket stereo.

Faults:

Suspension strut came through the boot, heavily corroded.

Rusty sun roof.

General Comments:

Comfortable

Great handling

Sharp edges

Aerodynamic

Pop up lights

Nice interior; the sporty seats keep you in place

Fast but economical

Engine similar to Ford Zetec on later models

Practical for family

Low ride (not so good if you have trouble getting in and out of an average hatch; this car is as low as an MR2)

Disc brakes all round

5 door hatch

Built in spoilers x2

Electric sunroof

Electric windows all round

Central locking all round

Immobiliser with hand set and key

Alloys as standard

Power steering

The doors on my 323 thud no slamming, and it's 19 years old.

Faults:

The drivers side CV started to click, but that can be expected of a car of this age, easily replaced.

These cars are known for terrible rust problems, so if you're going to buy one, don't live down the beach like I did ha ha =)

General Comments:

For a 1500 engine this thing is a rocket, and a cheap one at that (NZ$20 gets 130kms), and that was with my foot planted.

With a light foot I managed to squeeze 200km out of her for only NZ$20.

My Astina had amazing acceleration and hit the speed limiter (180kmph) very quickly.

There was always plenty of room for people and luggage in the back.