• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    People see it and naturally think that it will be an old person driving it at 25mph, surprised when it's a 17yr old!

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

    Neighbours like it because it is quiet (I don't wake them up with a cacaphony of noise when I return from late parties, unlike my not-so-quiet Mini) and doesn't take up much drive space. Friends laugh but I will be the one laughing when their Saxos and 106s are in the garage and mine is soldiering on.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes, but a 5 door version and a 1.3 or 1.4 for more oomph.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Already have a Mini as well, so if I sold it I would not buy another car just use the Mini.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £1,495

    When did you buy the car?

    September 2007

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Paid about average price but car was in a very good condition so a reasonably good deal.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Cheap, reliable and small. Low insurance and high MPG

    What was the dealer like?

    Didn't buy from a dealer.

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Very pleasant to drive. 1.0 engine is zingy in first, but from 2nd to 5th absolutely sod all happens when you plant your foot. Acres of grip, but the alarming amounts of body roll mean you ease off way before the grip limits are tested.

    What's it like to park?

    A mixed bag. Visibility is very good, clutch is light so can fine tune it to inch forward or backward, steering is very light, but the steering lock is appalling for such a small car.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nope - good ol' Japanese build quality means that I will most probably break before it does!

    What's most practical about your car?

    Compact dimensions mean that I can pretty much abandon it anywhere without it getting in the way of traffic.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Power steering makes parking a lot easier.