Faults:

A better question would be: "What hasn't gone wrong with the car?"

Problems have included: -

- Ignition barrel.

- Brake pipes corroded.

- Mayo in the oil filler cap (no sign of head gasket failure or broken rad)

- Main engine seal gone (now leaking oil)

- Leaking power steering fluid.

- Seal around the near side headlight has somehow broken, resulting in the headlight constantly displaying condensation.

- The rear wheel arches are stutting to bubble up with rust under the paint.

General Comments:

I don't think that I have driven anything as woeful as this.

For a car that is only 6 and a half years old, the reliability is shocking. I have owned Volvos twice the age of this with no problems at all. Not even a hint of rust!

Both the steering and handling are awful. It's more secretive than a government agency. It tells you nothing about what is happening on the road.

The clutch is vague, and you only know that it is biting because the car starts to move forward. Again, where is the feeling?

The gear-change is notchy and you really have to work the engine hard to get anything from it. Forget about putting the A/C on, you'll get nowhere if trying to build up any speed. The 1.6 8V engine is far from adequate for a car of this size and weight. It lacks BHP and torque and lacks a decent exhaust note.

I also find the driving position to be odd. Not only are the seats like sitting at the desk of your local insurance company, but you seem to sit on the car rather than in it.

The dash layout could only have been worse if it was put in the back of the car. And why does the centre console face the passenger?

Unfortunately the good thing I can say about this car is that it is ideal for people that don't actually like driving.

To add to this, you would have to be bereft of emotion to even contemplate choosing this car. It lacks soul, driver satisfaction and is about as rewarding as an in-grown toe nail.

Faults:

New ignition barrel, due to door buzzer not going off when taking key out of the ignition. £60 from main dealer, changed it myself.

New thermostat. Not an easy job to change thermostat, due to taking cam belt pulley off to gain access. I changed cam belt kit & water pump whilst I was on.

Front brake pads.

General Comments:

Nice build quality.

Decent looking car.

Average mpg (35mpg), mixed driving.

Good road holding & braking.

A well established 1.6 8v engine.

Faults:

Interior trim was flimsy and I dislodged some of the trim in the boot when loading it with a push chair.

CD unit on stereo failed after 46,000 miles.

Ignition failed after 54,000 miles and had to be replaced at a high cost.

General Comments:

A bit flimsy, but generally very reliable. Also gave high levels of comfort and was a joy to drive.

Good value when I bought it for £9,000 after 3 years. Sold it 2 years later for £5,000 because I wanted something with four doors.