Faults:

A loud noise in engine as soon as it is started; need to get it fixed. Possible water pump or power steering issue.

Minor issues regarding electrics such as the sunroof and side window going down when boot is opened, but it is nearly 20 years old, so things like this are expected as with all older cars.

General Comments:

For its age (nearly 18 years) it is still a great looking car (was told it does look like a UFO from the side though LOL). It has a very solid feel to it and I haven't noticed any rust, which is rare, however the interior is fairly boxy and the seats are not comfortable. I'm only 5'2", yet I tend to bash my head off the ceiling and cannot see the bonnet, so have to judge distance when parking.

It is really only a 2 seater, definitely not a family car. I bought the car for €500 with tax and NCT, and while there are small electrical issues (the sunroof, passenger window goes down halfway when I open the boot and goes back up when the boot is closed... weird) and the engine needs to be looked at, I have a fondness for the car. Plus the 99 model is rare now, so it does get looks when driving on the roads.

Between my previous Ford Puma and the Tigra, I do find the Tigra more safe to drive, although less powerful than the Puma and not as comfortable, but it is a fun car, and if you can find one in good condition these days, then do consider buying one because despite its girlish looks, it is a reliable motor.

Faults:

I bought this with a blown head gasket, corroded brake lines, multiple rust areas. Took me a few weeks to get on top of it - did it all myself - but worth it.

General Comments:

These cars are getting rare now, having moved into that grey area somewhere between the scrapyard and banger status.

I bought ours for €123 - scrap value! It had a blown head gasket, but I swapped another engine in rather than confronting all the possible side-effects of over heating.

I welded up all the rust areas, which I think were just on the point of being salvageable. It came with a lovely leather interior and some questionable 'tuning' add-ons, and has also been lowered. I'm returning it to original. Would not have been economical if I couldn't have done everything myself.

Parts are plentiful and cheap, as not only is it based on the Opel Corsa B, but a lot of Tigras are being broken at the moment in Germany.

Many of the survivors have been modified/tuned with mixed results, but I think the Tigra is easing into the classic category now having left behind its image as a "girl's" or a "hairdresser's" car. Never seen another one on the road.

Faults:

Since I've had it the following things have gone wrong; heater radiator developed a hole, leaked all over the interior, very expensive to replace & clean.

Engine radiator and thermostat had to be replaced. had to replace the exhaust from the manifold.

Replaced the headlights as the standard lights weren't up to the job, not near bright enough.

General Comments:

Interior, dated by todays standards, driving position is fully adjustable with good visibility and reasonably good comfort. Don't even think about taking passengers in the back, people always hit their heads when they get into the back. Not designed for the very tall driver.

Exterior, looks amazing and still gets looks even though it's years old, very easy to make it look as good as any new car out these days.

Performance & handling OK I guess, this is my first car, there's plenty of speed under the bonnet, but it takes a while to get up to speed, not much feel from the brakes compared to other cars. Car has a tendency to rise on the inside back wheel when going around corners quickly. Beware of speed-bumps and potholes, I feel every knock in the road in mine.