VAUXHALL CORSA 1.0 12V Breeze 3dr (1998)

The Corsa Breeze - Simple but reliable

I'd been driving this car for the best of 10 years (bought it second hand as my first car) and I'd been very happy with it.

It doesn't have all the modern 'toys' and is just a simple car, but it also means that there are less things that can go wrong.

Like all the vauxhall of this build, it corrodes quickly at the door of the boot, specifically around the back wiper. Corrosion underneath is also an issue but after such a long time in service quite understandable.

The engine has been very reliable so far, with only one bigger issue over all the years. It's simple to service and therefore not too expensive from this point of view. With approx. 7L/100km it is all right to run during the year. Although it is not the most comfy for long travels, it's is very fuel efficient on the motorway, managing 5.1L/100km (some of the modern cars that engine size cannot do that).

In terms of comfort, it could be a bit modern. The biggest drawback is that it does not have power steering. I can only see that as an issue now that I am driving a newer car. The materials start wearing out now, mainly the seats are not comfortable any more. It is a bit noisy when driving, but again something quite normal for a car this age.

The handling was also never an issue, although I have to admit that the engine is not powerful enough to ever get the car to its limits. The breaks are fine for a car that size and the clutch is very user friendly. In a way, the car is ideal for a starter as it is easy to handle and does not permit speeding.

I would have certainly liked to still drive it, but had to change to a 5 door car as handling with a baby is a bit difficult.

All in all, a simple car that has been reliable and with low running costs.