Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback (2003 - 2006) 1.2 16V SXi 3d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am a boy racer. It is the general attitude to any corsa driven by a youngster.

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

None of the neighbors really cared, compared to the classic triumphs my dad has it pales into insignificance I guess. My mum saw it as a taxi and my sister saw a pink car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

If I did nothing but town driving then I would as it is comfortable, nippy and easy to park and drive. However as I live in the country with some great roads I would rather have something that was a little racier.

What are you likely to buy next?

At the moment I am looking at a Rover 25, Ford Focus or a Fiesta.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,100

When did you buy the car?

May 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Was one the cheapest in my local area (Worcester). On hindsight spending a little bit more for a lower mileage would have been a better idea but beggars can't be choosers.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I brought this car as it had the best bhp to insurance group of any small car. Had also heard good reviews that it was reliable and easy to drive.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was pleasant who threw in 6 months tax and a free MOT.

What's it like to drive?

One of the first things I noticed is how light the steering wheel is. This is fantastic in town but as soon as you show it a half decent road I just wished that little bit more feel. It is rather disconcerting when going into a corner that you have no idea through the wheel how much grip you have. Its a real shame as the chassis and suspension are perfect and the car handles very well, only understeering when well past the limit of grip. One thing that puts a lot of people off is the hydraulic clutch. Personally I love it but it is very smooth and more experienced drivers have trouble finding the biting point. The engine has a good turn of speed in town, in first or second gear it flies like something much faster.

What's it like to park?

It is very easy to park as the wheels are right on the corners, meaning you know exactly where the edges of the cars are.

Have you had any problems with the car?

There has been a few reliability issues but nothing serious as yet. Within a couple of months of purchase the heater matrix developed a leak, which was a bummer in the middle of winter. Also the rear o2 sensor on the exhaust broke as the exhaust developing a hole. At the time of writing there is a classic Corsa fault of a split CV Joint.

What's most practical about your car?

It has a fairly large boot for such a small car. Took 4 suitcases on a trip to the airport and will take 4 adults, admittedly with some moaning about lack of rear leg room. Its not too bad behind the passenger as the seat goes quite far forwards but behind f the driver is a lanky git (i.e Me at 6' 3") then there can be so issues.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Even the SXi which is one of the higher trim levels is fairly spartan, however the white dials that it comes are very good in the day, if a little bright at night. The speakers are very good when turned up and the steering wheel controls are very useful.