Faults:
The engine management light kept on coming on - the crankshaft and camshaft sensors were replaced many times.
Engine kept cutting out due to air bleed valve problems, a common fault apparently.
Camshaft rattles after 40K service - apparently the cam belt tensioner fell apart, but I think the dealer hadn't changed the cam belt correctly.
The camshafts were replaced.
Power steering pump leaked, required replacement (admittedly with 90k+ miles on it).
Rear door central lock packed up (intermittently - required a new motor).
Electric window wouldn't close intermittently - new control unit required.
Had 3 complete sets of disc brakes in 100k miles - discs wore out quicker than tyres!
Couldn't get an exhaust system from anywhere - had to have a hire car for 6 weeks!
General Comments:
A roomy family car with a large boot - useful for me as a service engineer.
Very economical for a large petrol car - 40mpg easy with town/motorway driving.
Quick from standstill, not so quick above 3000rpm, it seemed to flatten out.
Cornered well, held onto its given line, but rolls a lot, compared with my present SRI.
Good sound system.
Reliability was poor - it never went between services without a return visit to the garage.
Its biggest plus point was its fuel economy and performance.
24th Nov 2009, 13:30
Sounds like you tested the handling and performance often. No wonder you went through so many brake discs!