• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    that i put practicality and running costs ahead of image.

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

    most like it, though my mother-in-law was horrified that it was 'only a 1.0'!?.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    no, because of the ventilation issues, and also, although we managed with its size, if we are honest, a slightly bigger car would suit our needs better.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    hasnt been decided yet. i am in favour of the 1.5dci renault clio sport tourer, but my wife (and its her motability car, so, in theory at least, her choice), is liking the look of the new astra, which, if we get, would also be diesel.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    April 2008

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    not applicable

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    it seemed to fit our needs at the time.

    What was the dealer like?

    there was a delay in getting the car, but the dealer wasnt very good at keeping us informed as to what was happening.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    surprisingly nippy, and with an amusingly aggressive exhaust note from the three cylinder engine when working hard!.dont listen to those who say the 1.0 is no use on the open road. unless you are a boy racer, its fine. in slippery conditions though, it isnt so good, i think the 'economy tyres' are to blame there. also, i find the ventilation very poor indeed, especially with 2 or more in the car on a cold, wet day (we have plenty up here in north east scotland!). we had a ford fusion before, and even ignoring the quick clear windscreen, its ventilation was miles better. one last point, daihatsu claim an 'average' of 56mpg, but in my experience (and despite my claims about the sirions performance, i drive pretty gently most of the time) this should read more like 46mpg.

    What's it like to park?

    if you cant park this, you shouldnt be on the road!

  • Living with it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    at the 2nd service, i mentioned a knocking from under the car, this was diagnosed as an anti-roll bar bush, but as the part wasnt in stock, i had to go back to get it fitted, which seeing as it didnt solve the problem was frustrating.

    What's most practical about your car?

    small on the outside, big on the inside.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    none jumps out.