Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback (2003 - 2006) 1.0 12V Energy 3d (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Not a lot really, it's quite non-descript. But it looks smart enough.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
It's perfectly adequate, though not exciting.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Possibly, though not with the 1 litre engine. the 1.3 diesel is the one to have, as it offers much better performance AND economy than the 1 litre.
What are you likely to buy next?
A Fiat Grande Punto 1.9 Multijet Sporting, though not sure if it's OK to trust Fiat quality.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£7,700
When did you buy the car?
April 2004
Did you get a good deal and why?
Got quite a good discount off list price thanks to the Vauxhall Partners programme for employees being available through a relative.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Free insurance offer, good equipment levels and discount available through Vauxhall Partners programme for employees.
What was the dealer like?
Quite helpful at the time of purchase, though they messed up on the free insurance offer and had to swap the car after 2 months to sort it out.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Handling isn't bad, though it rolls a lot in corners. Generally feels quite planted on the road. The 1 litre engine is very slow to accelerate and overtaking requires some serious planning, but it copes admirably well considering the small engine on the motorway, able to cruise comfortably and maintain high speeds.
What's it like to park?
Good visibility and small size make it pretty easy to park.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The indicators started playing up and then the problem mysteriously cured itself when it was plugged into the dealer's computer. It's on it's second stereo - the first one was making a grinding noise when switched on, less than a year later the new unit is exhibiting the same fault. Also, not really a fault, but the fuel economy is a little disappointing: my average is 43mpg, 10 less than the official figure, and that's with mixed driving.
What's most practical about your car?
It's generally a decent size for everything I use it for. Could do with some more cubby holes in the interior though.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The CD player gets the most use, the aircon is great to have in summer.
