Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 1.5 TD LS 3d (1993/L) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Not that cheap when new and poorly equipped.
Costs
Always got 53 mpg no matter what I did, can't complain. Parts fairly cheap but 4,500 mile oil/filter changes add up. Eats front tyres and pads at an alarming rate.
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On the road
Driving
Very harsh ride, slow and heavy steering and huge understeer make parking and B roads a nightmare. Best on motorways, cruises at 80/90 all day and quicker than you'd expect. Very noisy at speed as judged by loudness of stereo at town speeds!
Performance
Quicker than you'd expect let down by very soft, long travel brakes and dislike of bends and wet roundabouts.
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Living with it
Reliability
Overall hugely reliable. Worst issue suspension strut mounting broke after 30k, Vauxhall replaced the axle free! Had new alternator at 80k, new water pump and rear brake governor at 110k. Engine bullet-proof but chassis rots to hell after 8 years.
Image
Doesn't have or need one. It's a car not a lifestyle statement. The 3 door still looks great and better than the homogenised later models.
Comfort
Terrible for the driver, accelerator tiny and cramped against wheel well. Long travel clutch means skewed accelerator leg. Passengers don't complain - lots of headroom. No lateral support in front seats.
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Security and Service
Security
I had optional c/l with deadlocks and it's never been stolen, mind you no-ones even bothered to try so who knows? Proper lockable boot with button was quite novel back then too.
Service
Superb - then they should be for cash I've put their way! - Not the supplying dealer but dealt with axle problem negotiating with Vauxhall etc. Pick ups to/from work no problem - very customer orientated - and just gave me a huge discount on next car!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None, Isuzu engine is bulletproof and what it lacks in refinement is made up in reliability.
Other
Biggest gripe? Dash lights, on with the ignition and will happily burn out during the day when you don't even notice them - Dash has to be removed to replace them (£££'s) - What moron thought of that idea? Oh, outside temp gauges, do any last > 6 months?
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes