Faults:
The alternator deteriorated at around 125,000 km.
After about 7 years the aerial won't go all the way down cold weather, unless freshly cleaned and oiled. In warm weather it works better.
The key in the driver's side door sometimes is hard to open and the lock bounce up and down, especially when it's cold, but with key-less entry not a serious problem. The car also has a two-way sun roof and anti-lock brakes.
The drivers side window does not always want to wind up, something is lose in the connection somewhere and I often have to toggle the switch up and down to it to work. All the other windows are fine.
General Comments:
I would recommend this car to anyone. The flaws are minor and could easily be fixed, if I were to take the trouble. This car has cost almost nothing to run. In ten years I have replaced the front brake pads 3 times; an incredibly easy do it yourself job by the way. The back brakes have been replaced once. The front tires have been replaced twice and the rear once at 130000 km. I replaced the timing belt, as is recommended, at around 100,000 km. The spark plugs lasted 125,000 km; yes it's true with no noticeable increase in mileage or loss of performance. The engine is so smooth that twice I have tried to start the car when the engine was already running...ouch! Fortunately no damage has shown up from this error on my part.
This car is everything you could want in a family car. It is fairly sporty. It always starts instantly as soon as you turn the key. In fact my original battery lasted 7 years, despite my letting it run flat twice. The car handles well and is comfortable with the one exception that the center armrest might be higher so that I could actually rest my arm on it.
22nd Feb 2004, 23:38
Like in any other car, just replace the starter motor, that's all.