SEAT Arosa (1997 - 2004) 1.0 S 3d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Says that you want a bit more in a city car than you get from most. That or you didn't like the looks of the Lupo.

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

They like it generally. Space is the biggest problem, but aside from that, not much else gets criticised. Step-Dad loves how reliable and easy to drive it is.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, if I needed a cheap run around. It's nigh-on perfect for that job.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something bigger and more inspirational. And something with a bit more power!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,550

When did you buy the car?

September 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a fairly good deal as the price was average for a ~80k mile Arosa S in good condition. Could have pushed lower.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

This was my first car, and having searched through loads of other vehicles, I kept coming back to this one.

What was the dealer like?

Bought from second hand dealership so can't answer, but I do recommend them: NTW Cars, Kent.

What's it like to drive?

It's good. While it is painfully slow - seriously, 50 bhp isn't enough (and you really feel that when there are 4 people in it) and accelerating it painstaking - it gives the car a bit of character! On a more serious note, the gearing is great for town driving - 1500 rpm in 4th gear at 30 mph is very efficient - but not good for driving fast. Steering is light but still has enough resistance to be fun to throw around corners. Very little play too, so it feels precise even on a twisty road at speed. Brakes are normal. Gearbox is light and snappy. Efficiency is a bit rubbish in stop-start traffic, usually around 33 to 35 mpg. But, on the motorway (even when fully laden) it'll happily achieve 45 to 50 mpg. It can do 70 mph (eventually), but it's much happier sitting at 60 mph.

What's it like to park?

Ridiculously easy. As I've already said, those big windows give you a full 360 degree view, and coupled with the super light steering, it makes parking a doddle.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only problems have been general ones - needed new rear muffler for exhaust as it hadn't been replaced since new (80,000 miles!) and it needed a fair amount of stuff in its first service as it hadn't had a proper one for two years. My one had already had a new clutch and new cam belt (two common issues) between 50k and 60k miles - make sure to buy one with this work done as it's liable to change and is expensive.

What's most practical about your car?

It's so small, but really spacious. Really, really easy to park and maneuver thanks to big windows all around. Cabin is light and airy, meaning that even though rear leg room is rubbish, you don't feel cramped. Space up front is fantastic and windscreen is well sized. Overall, makes great use of its size.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The pop-out cup holders are really good, as are the easy to fold front seats. Adjustable headlights are also really good as it means you don't have to blind people while driving round town but also get good range in the dark. Stock speakers are good enough too and work well with a tuned equalizer.