1998 Opel Corsa 130 iE 1.3 8v petrol from South Africa

Summary:

Amazing little car!

Faults:

- Clutch is shot, expensive to replace.

- Air conditioner's compressor doesn't work, and is VERY expensive to replace with Opel dealers (about £500).

General Comments:

I never really was a big fan of Opel/Vauxhall until I got my Corsa. It's an amazing little car with great character. It's very fast for a 1.3, and beats any other 1.3 in a straight line race, bar the Renault Clio 1.2 16V.

The handling isn't too bad either, and it has loads of standard options like electric windows, electric mirrors, air con and remote central locking (model specific though).

The car has got good build quality, but starts to rattle at about 105000 km. Interior is well laid out, but is a bit dull, with way too much bad plastic trim.

Fuel consumption is more like that of a 2 litre than of a 1.3, but does get much better when driven on the highway. The standard sound system is crap as well, and you better hope and pray that nothing breaks on the car, because parts and servicing are VERY VERY VERY expensive.

This may sound like a very negative review, but all these things add up to the character of the car. It drives well, handles well, and is very reliable (if maintained correctly). This is an amazing little car with loads to offer, and will always bring a smile to your face. I'll definitely recommend this car to anyone who might be looking at buying in the small car class!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2006

27th Mar 2006, 11:49

I just want to comment on the review that I have just read on the 1999 model of the Opel Corsa Lite. There is just no car like a Corsa Lite! I got my little Corsa just over a month ago it has more than 125000 km on and it is still going strong! The parts maybe expensive, but if one takes care of your Corsa it will take care of you. The car can go quite fast for a 1.3 and it handles like a dream! For a car that is over five years old with that much kilometers on its clock I think it’s excellent! Corsa's were made to last.

3rd Apr 2006, 05:15

In response to the comments made about the Corsa (27th Mar 2006, 11:49). I am totally in agreement. I own a 1998 Corsa Lite and have had it for almost six years now. I haven't been the greatest in terms of looking after it, but it has been extremely reliable and has never let me down. It goes like a bomb and has only experienced minor breakages. Recently, I considered buying a new car, but have decided to stay with my faithful Corsa and at present it is getting the attention it deserves. It has just had mags and new tyres put on, it's steering wheel replaced and is currently having it's electronics sorted out and will be going in for a major service. This car has definitetly served it's purpose with regards to a small car with a lot of guts. Dynamite in a small package!

15th May 2013, 10:27

I just bought a 1998 Corsa Lite 1.3. It was perfect until I sent it to get a gear lock fitted in. The anti hijack went off. My starter was giving me a problem, but once my brother replaced a terminal in the alternator (I think that's what he said), everything has just gone bonkers. The central locking went off, the immobilizer, the alarm, the hazards stopped working, inside light doesn't come on, the anti hijack has suddenly kicked in, and my indicator switch doesn't work until I press the hazard on. What on earth is happening? This is my first car and I'm lost!

1998 Opel Corsa Swing 1.4 from Turkey

Summary:

A Classical Mini like VW Beetle

Faults:

Never been stranded by this car.

Thermostat is changed at 85.000 km (in 2003)

Central heating tap changed at 90.000 km

Exhaust pipes and silencers (excluding catalytic converter) completely changed at 92.000 km. (in 2004)

Horn buttons on the steering wheel are torn in 2003 (78.000 km) although I rarely used them.

General Comments:

Engine is very reliable, but reluctant to produce torque when it is cold. Best performance between 3000-4000 rpm. No motor noise is heard in the cabin, but if the road is not smooth enough, you hear a lot of tyre noise. This car is very comfortable if the road conditions are not too bad. Not a long distance cruiser of course, but very practical and agile in the city. Steering wheel and gear lever doesn't make the driver get tired. Headlamps are enough for city usage, but weak for a long distance drive. Easy to drive, comfortable as a compact car, but not make you feel safe over 120 kmph. Plastic equipment is satisfactorily good. But horn buttons on the steering wheel were torn at the end of the 3rd year. This is a common problem of this car. I didn't see a Corsa above 4 years yet that those buttons aren't torn. Air conditioning system is free of problems even at very hot weather. Fuel consumption is very low. (sometimes 5.5 liters outside the city with AC in summer) Break system never failed. Date/hour/temperature/radio channel display is very useful. Radio is changeable with an MP3/CD player. If you do this, you can still use the car display for the date/hour and temperature. Good speaker system with 4 speakers and two tweeters, but you feel the lack of cross overs. The car's overall performance is very good for this class. I have never regret because of buying this car. If I would buy a mini, I would buy a Corsa again without hesitation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 2004