• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I'm not sure, the state of the interior says 'i have dogs and love the outdoors'! I didn't buy it for any other reason than it was a great bargain.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    They think it's great after I took them for a spin. They were all surprised at the interior space, air con, stereo, etc.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, although I might choose a bigger engine just for fun. It really is fantastic value for money and if you're not buying a car for a status symbol but for reliability and cost then I would recommend it.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Mmmmm, I'd love an old Landrover defender (fully kitted with snorkel etc) for off roading fun, but that's not practical for my commute. If I had the cash, another Subaru, a forester or similar. Most likely though would be a Skoda Yeti.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £5,000

    When did you buy the car?

    December 2007

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes, over £1000 off the retail price and 5 years warranty.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    What was the dealer like?

    Helpful and friendly but the 'guaranteed' courtesy car is rarely available for services etc.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Ok I learnt to drive in a Subaru Legacy (2.2), then drove a 1.8 focus, then a 2.0 transit van, you get the picture so I wasn't too excited about a 1.1, but it handles the 100 mile daily commute on the A50 well in all weathers (I've even overtaken a couple of lambo's ha ha!). It made it up hill in a few feet of snow and ice, ok there was a hairy moment when I got no grip but I made it! Also I've done 0-60 in 12 seconds (that's 3 secs less than on the stats and top speed is, in reality over 100, not 93 as in the stats, and it will cruise happily at high speed). You're not going to get a thrill of a ride but it's a nippy little thing. I literally push this car to it's limits and it's not yet let me down.

    What's it like to park?

    it turns on a pin head and is much more manoverable than the focus I drove. Great for smaller parking spaces but it is wide for a small car and in the 2 door the larger doors wont allow you to squeeze in where a micra could.

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    No.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The interior space, I've fitted 4 adults, 2 rottweilers and camping gear and driven them up to the peak district on many occasions.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Air con and a great stereo as standard.