Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback (2006 - 2014) 1.4i 16V (100bhp) SRi (AC) 3d (2010/60) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I'm a.bit of a chav - fellow work colleagues have questioned not only the car and its big wheels, but its luminous lime green colour. It's a real looker though.

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

The majority like the way it looks, not so much the way it drives and handles.

Would you buy this car again and why?

If I could start over again and have this in a 1.7 CDTi without all the issues then I probably would. Another 1.4 though? Very unlikely. The car is a real looker and I still after 9 months of ownership look back in admiration, but its issues just push me away.

What are you likely to buy next?

Astra GTC, Scirocco or Mini Cooper S.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£9,999

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a fairly good deal. My local Vauxhall dealer quoted me roughly £15k for a brand new SRi in the colour I wanted, whereas a pre-reg with 4 miles on the clock came at just £9,999. I bought in lime green.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I bought the car as I wanted a sportier upgrade from my previous 09 5 door Corsa. The car I have is a 3 door SRi on a 12 plate, but I was unable to select the year after choosing the engine and trim.

What was the dealer like?

Really good (Arnold Clark, Wigan). Smooth transition when part-exchanging current car and good price.

What's it like to drive?

Quite decent, nippier than my previous 1.2 Corsa but still won't set the world alight. Steering generally lacks response and can feel lifeless. Car, I find, jerks into the corners and you feel the need to understeer because oversteering just makes it uncomfortable.

What's it like to park?

Simple, decent lock on the car but A pillars make it slightly more difficult.

Have you had any problems with the car?

A number of things...The wheel bearing, twice. Brakes were noisy from virtually the third week of ownership, while the car has a squeak from the driver's seat and vibration at above 60mph and anything over 2,500 revs.

What's most practical about your car?

The size when parking, really good. I also like the storage area underneath the boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control.