Design 1.8 16v 5dr Auto Hatchback

Totally reliable to date but showing some signs of wear and tear despite low mileage (36k in 6 years)

Bought it from Network Q ex mobility with 19k on the clock. Got warranty extended to 2 years.

Hasn't missed a beat and starts first time, every time.

Enough power (140 bhp) and in sport mode is actually too skittish to use. Useful if extra power needed for pulling onto a motorway etc.

At 33k the offside wheel bearing went, around £400 or so if I remember correctly. Disks and pads all round after Xmas due to seizing on (wet weather - still doubtful if totally true explanation). Rear window motor went at 6 years old but covered by warranty (I had to risk £90 or so to investigate and only then find out whether it would be covered).

You can see that this is not a car meant to last 20 years. 7 years into life, half spent outside and it is showing signs of age. Funnily enough we talked about replacing it prior to the last set of bills but now we've invested around another £800 or so into it, we might just keep it a while longer. However, you can't help feeling that anything could go wrong at any time.

Touch wood, it will prove a sensible keeper but I am still in two minds over whether to move it on.

Would I buy another ? At up to 3 years old and keep for another 3 years - absolutely - but I would have an exit date in mind around 6 years old, whatever the mileage.

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