Faults:
Catalytic Converter failed at 58000 miles, cost of replacement £230.
Brake Pads replaced all round at 62000 miles, cost of £85.
Exhaust System (from manifold back) at 62000 miles, cost of £98.
General Comments:
Beautiful car to drive, automatic box tends to search a lot at low speeds, constantly jumping from 3rd gear to 4th. Although once over about 45mph 4th gear is constant. Excellent "kick down" on the auto box, put your foot to the floor at above 45mph and the auto box drops the gears and the engine revs very freely to a higher speed.
Handling is surprisingly good for a car of this size, easily steered at high speeds around bends on a country road with little to no loss of traction.
Brakes are very good, ABS system is fantastic and very effective.
Comfort is first class, both at low and high speeds, maybe a little too comfortable on long motorway journeys makes you tired easily.
Economy, well to be honest its not excellent, only get around 21mpg urban due to the auto box, then again I do tend to be heavy footed on pull offs. On a long journey (fast A road or Motorway) economy greatly improves to around 39mpg.
Interior Trim, this is of good quality, easy layout of switches and dials combined with an excellent driving position. Annoying rattle from front windows when open a little. Rain always dripping in from the roof and landing on the electric windows control panel when drivers window is open slightly when raining. Driver seat lumbar support broke within 5 days of buying the car, my own fault for over turning the dial on the seat but maybe a stop notch on the dial would have saved me from doing this.
Exterior Trim, good exterior apart from a few minor faults, rain constantly getting into near-side rear light cluster and blowing bulbs regularly, rubber trim at the bottom of the front doors constantly coming away but is easily re-seated, so far not a hint of rust.
11th Oct 2003, 10:56
Very well written review thanks for your time has helped in the purchase or the same model thanks.