Faults:
Ingnition timer at 90,000 km.
Automatic gearbox popped surclip at 100,000 and destroyed the gearbox. However, a jap second import lasted another 230 000 km and cost $500 to buy and $300 to install.
Engine finally refused at about 300 000 km, along with the radiator. Phenomenal for a little 1.2.
Interior plastics do not handle the car being parked outside, they warp and fade fairly quickly. Tape deck packed in in after not too long.
One of the front headlights would repeatedly blow.
With a dark colour and no air-con, this car with it's huge windows was an oven in summer.
Apart from general wear and tear on this car, I never had any other major problems.
General Comments:
I punished and punished and abused this little thing from the first time I got it. It went up mountains and on crappy outback roads, moved furniture interstate, took me on long distance trips through years of poverty, and this little lion just kept going and going and going.
The 1.2 litre engine performed way beyond its capacity, no problems with highway driving at all.
Excellent fuel economy while the motor is still relatively new and in good condition.
Interior was relatively comfortable if well maintained, and there was heaps of room in the back if the seats were put down.
With large high windows, visibility was excellent safety wise, and I sure missed this when getting in a late model Falcon or Commodore.
Sure, I was embarrassed to be seen in it and I sure as hell would not like to have any sort of serious accident in it, as it was just an eggshell, but I felt more than sorry when I finally parted with this faithful little friend at the wreckers : (
It was a Suzuki Swift badged as a Holden Barina, but I was so thrilled with this economical, reliable little car that I seriously considered another one.
