Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback (1993 - 2000) 1.2 Merit 3d (1993/K) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm an idiot for getting the wrong Corsa model

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

Everyone, except my Mum, mocks my car like no tomorrow because it has a 4 Speed Gearbox. But everyone loves the characteristics of my car. Because it reacts so silly.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes I would, they are very roomy. But I will never ever get another Merit model. An 1.2 LS will be fine for me, as all LS models come with a 5 Speed Gearbox, a rear wiper, split fold seats and the central digital radio and clock display.

What are you likely to buy next?

I would like another Corsa or one of these in the list: Daewoo Matiz 800cc Peugeot 106 Perodua Kelisa Ford Fiesta Mk4

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£550

When did you buy the car?

October 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, back in October 2009 when I bought it. It only done 65,000 Miles and the Car was 16 Years old back then, so yeah a good deal it was.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Couldn't find anything else with low millege.

What was the dealer like?

Just like any other dealer

What's it like to drive?

I'm amazed that Vauxhall only managed to get 45bhp out of the 1200cc engine. Getting up to 55mph is ok, but after that the car is very slow an noisey. I only got a 4 Speed Gearbox, which doesn't help in many ways. Overtaking is life threatening, you need a long straight, downhill road to overtake with ease. Handling is terrible, it leans over on every bend, even when I'm doing 40mph. The ride isn't that good either.

What's it like to park?

As it has no Power Steering, it feels like a tank to park in tight spaces. You really do need some muscle to park the car. Unless the space is half a mile long, then it is easy as pie to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Only minor problems. I had to replace one of the wing mirrors because the adjuster broke. And the switch for the cooling fan had broke, but after these problems got fixed, I haven't had any problems.

What's most practical about your car?

It's very roomy for a 3 Door car. The boot isn't too bad either. I would prefer it if it came with a split fold rear seat like the LS model.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I only got the base Merit model, I't didn't even come with a Glove Box when I first bought it. I had to buy one. As there isn't such thing as a gadget in my car, all I can say is that the heaters are excellent, even though they're falling apart. Oh and the CD player is good.