Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback (2000 - 2004) 1.4i 16V Comfort 3d Auto (2001/Y) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not much. It's a pretty common car, and these days isn't the most exciting looking on the forecourt when pitted against some of the newer contenders.

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

Generally bad reviews. Family have commented on the handling issues with the car. Friends have been disappointed with the ride offered by the corsa, and didn't appreciate feeling every slight contour in the roads beneath.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Vauxhalls are generally poor road handlers. Having driven this corsa, and seen how an '07 plate Astra deals with less-than-ideal situations, I will find it hard to put money down on another Vauxhall without some intensive test drives and a vehicle with a much more refined ride and vastly improved handling.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford and Peugeot, I personally find, are miles ahead in terms of refined rides, in-car niceties and handling with their competing supermini's. Having driven a 206 and Fiesta, it'll be a tough call, but one that I doubt a corsa will be anywhere near.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,995

When did you buy the car?

July 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not a desperately good deal - however, I bought the car before the bottom fell out of the market.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

On a good day the corsa can be quite fun and peppy to drive. The autobox is incredibly responsive and will kickdown quickly as and when. However, the engine feels almost overpowered to the car. Fed any real power, and the driver will begin to feel the car lose traction, and on occasions wheelspins will occur. This was quite a regular occurance when I drove mine, despite only giving it enough power to leave a junction. The brakes are decidedly unresponsive and the wheels are quick to lock up thanks to the non-standard ABS, which on used cars is bound to be a rare-as-hens-teeth added extra. All in all, the drive lacks a lot of refinement. Substantial bodyroll when cornering is an eye opener for all in the car, however despite feeling as if the car will roll off a roundabout, it manages to ke

What's it like to park?

As with any supermini, the Corsa is a doddle to park. It's small and has a small turning circle. Add in the power steering and you'll find it hard to get parking maneuvers wrong.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Exhaust issues, bad handbrake. Nothing desperately bad, but still things that either should have been sorted by the dealer, or shouldn't be as bad as they are after 30,000 miles on the clock.

What's most practical about your car?

Space. The car has quite a lot of space, and is easy to do work on. Aftermarket electronics are easier to add to the corsa than cars with complex electronics.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

There isn't much on the standard Comfort at all. Luckily mine was specced with Aircon - about the only luxury it does have. So I'll plump for that.