Faults:

Transmission problems (broken gearbox).

High fuel consumption.

Rust.

My driver's side window fell off the track.

Ignition problems.

Rust in headlights.

General Comments:

This car was my first car, and it was terrible. No good memories.

Seats were very comfortable, but the interior was a bad design.

Had to get up early to get the engine running. It took as long as one battery charge!

Powerful and fuel consuming engine!

Faults:

Rust was starting to appear on the bottom of the car when I bought it. By the time I sold it, rust was appearing all over the bodywork.

Heater stopped working at 77,000 miles.

Clutch plate broke at 89,000 miles.

Ignition failed at 93,000 miles.

Car broke down five times in three years.

General Comments:

Considering its age and negative image, the Marina was a reliable and economical car which served me well for three years. It was good value for money too. I paid £600 for it when it was nine years old. By the time I sold it, the Marina was twelve years old and was passed on to a dealer for £275. Saw it on the road as recently as 1999, by which time it was more than 20 years old.

Faults:

Some rust along roof line and in the drivers side foot well, but no mechanical worries whatsoever.

General Comments:

The panel van has a lot of character and makes a good short-term camper. The steering leaves much to be desired however, probably due to cart springs on the back and torsion bars a la morris minor on the front. Cabin is very simple and well laid out.