Faults:
Small shunt a few months after purchase, required cosmetic work on rear bumber/tailgate.
Original exhaust replaced @ C. 70k.
New clutch plate @ 80k.
Persistent rattle from the tailgate hinges since new.
Specks of rust on door sills, rear wheel arches and wheels.
General Comments:
This car was bought new by my parents when I started school in 1988. I'm now approaching 21. That gives a reflection of how long the Nova has been in our family.
Both me and my brother learned to drive in this car. It is easy to park due to its boxiness; unlike my instructor's '96 Micra you can see where the corners are. Insurance is pennies, because it is hard to go fast enough to crash. Having said that, grip from the skinny tyres is pretty lame.
The car has been utterly reliable. It has never let any member of my family down once. It doesn't like long drives on the motorway in the wet; the distributor needs to be dried every so often, but mechanically it is completely sound.
Very easy on petrol round town. Surprisingly thirsty on the motorway. It only has a 37 bhp engine and a 4 speed 'box so you really need to thrash it to keep up with the rest of the traffic.
Mechanically about as complicated as a tin opener. Engine is a pushrod 2 valves per cylinder unit. Changed the clutch with my Dad on the front drive. Parts very cheap.
Quite fun to drive, if rather slow. Sharp throttle response
I still don't know why my parents bought such a low-spec car, but it has been faithful and reliable for many years and shows no sign of stopping. I wouldn't by the car myself as it is too unrefined and uncomfortable on the motorway.
It must be the least modified white Nova in the UK! The only external change is a radio aerial added last summer.
Buy one if you want reliable transport at absolute bargain basement prices, but don't expect refinement.