USED Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback (00 - 06)

My car

This was my first car as an 18 year old male, so I needed something which was cheap to insure. I it is a 2005 model and at the time was of purchase 4 years old. I really would not recomend it as after just under 40000 miles the camshaft snapped breaking half the engine with it. this is a common fault and Vauxhall has since recalled this car model, stating that the camshaft bolts were not tightened enough. Unfortunately for me it had already broken. As you would expect vauxhall refused to pay the £1700 that I payed in repair costs. The good things about the car are that is it easy to park and the clutch is easy to learn if you are a new driver. Everything else is bad, the steering is a vague and has play in it. It is so loud at 70 you need to shout to have a conversation. And the car just rattles and feels like you are going to fall through the floor as you drive along.

My car

Now I realise this might look very stingy, and to say its my first car I should love it too. This car has some major problems, but first the plus points (This is a short list!). I went half and half buying this car with my parents from my granparents (I didn't get to pick either it was a this car or no car situation)and i payed all the insurance. This car is a 53 plate and has just covered 30,000 miles. I passed my test two months ago and i learned to drive in this car, so have driven it for 4 months. I love the heater its fantastic, you can fit two bikes in the back with seats down, my friends fit in the back even behind me and i am 6 ft 2, they are very small friends though. and the boot is a good size plus the appearance is nice from the outside. I do like the dash arrangement too.

Bad points, the engine is rubbish barely managing to move itself, its also developed several of the common faults (Such as the timing chain, gear linkages and rear suspension creaking.). also been my height i dont fit inside the thing with my knees holding the steering wheel, there are several rattles the seat dont hold in the corners, its understeers like a pig and steering is crap (With the wheel itself to large, and the seating osition been a bit odd.

I find the brakes have a mind of there own (My grandparents agree) in te cold its particularly harsh t drive or juddery and i only get 300 miles to a tank of petrol and that is not my driving. i would recomend one, just not a 1.0. Go 1.2!!

My car

I own a 2001 1.0L Corsa Club which I've owned for almost 2 years now. It's a pretty old car but I bought it on a strict budget, based on its reputation for being reliable and economical. It pretty much lived up to this - there have been no major repairs, only a replacement wiper rubber, and the handbrake needed tightening, which is pretty normal for an older car. I'm often amazed at how seldom it requires petrol. The foot controls are very smooth, the gearbox feels good, and it handles very nicely on the road. Certainly a perfect first-time car, great city car, spacious enough for my needs.

The only downsides are it can lack power if I misjudge the gears, and end up struggling up a hill, whereas a more powerful car would probably cope. Then again, it's what you'd expect from a 1L engine, a 1.2-1.4 would be adviseable. Also the suspension bushes appear to be going, which isn't uncommon in this car (from what I've read), which creates a groaning noise at low revs. But they can easily be oiled, which sorts the problem for a while, eventually they'll need replacing, but the parts are inexpensive and it's a relatively simple procedure, shouldn't cost much.

Overall, a good, reliable car which is pleasant to drive and economical to run.

My car

I had a 1.2 SXi Corsa. It is the WORST car I have ever driven. The ride was so harsh, it gave me a trapped nerve in my back. The quality of the car itself is poor.

The engine dropped a valve into the cylinder at 35,000 miles, and as it was out or warranty by 9 months, Vauxhall wouldn't help. they quoted me £3000 for a new engine.

I will never buy a Vauxhall car EVER again for as long as I live. The dealers don't care once they have your money. Prisoners in Guantanamo Bay are treated better than Vauxhall customers.