: Top Ten Used Cars

4car rating:

The Corsa is: a favourite amongst private motorists, large fleets, hire companies, older drivers, driving schools and first-time buyers alike. Cheap to buy and run (though the larger-engined versions do come with a hefty price tag) and cheap to insure, it's particularly popular with younger drivers, as it is easily accessorised and modified. However, the diesels are hardly state-of-the-art, and the Corsa is beginning to feel its age when compared to some newer rivals. The revised models (from 2000) have much better safety provisions, more equipment and nicer cabins, though they are mechanically rather similar. They are also more solid-feeling, though the Corsa is generally quite tough and durable. There were early problems with the 1.6 16-valve ECOTEC engines, but these should now have been fixed under warranty.

For: Curvy body, roomy cabin, very easy to drive, good value, economical, huge variety
Against: Old diesel engines; none particularly inspiring to drive
Sum-up: Not the most prestigious or fashionable choice in its class, but a relatively safe bet

Model rundown and history
The first-generation range had badges including Merit, LS, GLS, CDX and Sport. Merit models are very basic indeed, LS a little better-equipped and only GLS and CDX versions have standard power steering and ABS. SRi (1.4) and GSi (1.6 16v) models are the sporty ones; 16-valve versions have alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and side skirts and fog lights. The 1.4i 16v Sport is an insurance-friendly hot hatch, with a close-ratio gearbox, rear spoiler and sports suspension. Suspension and trim was improved all round in spring 1997, and some engines were revised for better economy and refinement. E-Drive models (1.2i) have a clutchless gearbox, and a four-speed auto was optional with other engines. There was also a short-lived and rare little pram-like cabriolet, with the 1.4i engine. Of the 2000-on range, the entry-level model is the Expression, only available as a three-door 1.0i 12v; this has power steering, a driver's airbag and radio/cassette - it's back-to-basics supermini motoring. Also pretty basic is the 1.0i 12v Club ECO Easytronic, stripped-out of all non-essentials to shave weight and improve fuel consumption; the clutchless Easytronic transmission is optional on other, better-specified models. There's a wide choice of Club models, which have central locking, front electric windows and a split/folding rear seat; GLS models are similarly specced but with upgraded interior trim. Elegance versions are the luxury Corsas, with air conditioning, a passenger airbag, electric mirrors and a CD player - options even include satellite navigation. SXi (1.2i 12v, 1.7 DTI engines only) and SRi (1.4i 16v, 1.8i 16v) are the sporty ones, with alloy wheels, special trim, passenger airbags, central locking and a CD player; SRi models also have air conditioning and an alarm, but the 1.8 SRi is the only model in the current Corsa range to have standard ABS.

Corsas to buy: Well-specified models with power steering and bright or metallic paint - there are plenty of dull, tatty ones around, but you needn't get stuck with one of them. Look for a standard-spec car (or one of the many special edition models) unless you're a Max Power fan, as lots have been modified and generally played around with by boy racers. The 16-valve models are the nicest to drive.

Corsas to avoid: The old three-cylinder 1.0-litres are unbearably slow and best avoided, and buying the non-turbo 1.5 D and 1.7 D would be positively masochistic - the 1.5 TD is better, though none of the early Corsa diesels were great. The current 1.7 Di and DTi are much improved. Look out for ex-rental and ex-driving school cars that will have had a hard life, and avoid anything that's been kitted-up or modified unless that's what you really want. Beware spoilered-up, body-kitted base models with cheap, nasty aftermarket kit - it often covers up badly-botched accident damage or even rust - though otherwise standard cars with a nice set of alloys are worth considering. Be wary of any DIY engine tweaks or 'chips' - they can hammer your fuel consumption and engine management, as well as pushing your insurance right up. And do you really want someone else's 'project'?

Buying the best Corsa: The private ads are a good source of nice low-mileage Corsas, and there are also plenty at small independent dealers. For newer examples, the car supermarkets are the place to go, but buy with your eyes open and watch out for those rental/learner driver cars (have a good look at the paintwork for traces of sign-writing or advertisement stickers).

Engines and performance:
1993-2000:
1.0i (55bhp): 93mph, 0-60mph 19.9 sec, 48.7mpg
1.2i 8v (45bhp): 90mph, 0-60mph 18 sec, 41.4mpg
1.2i 16v (65bhp): 101mph, 0-60mph 13.1 sec, 43.6mpg
1.4i 8v (82bhp): 108mph, 0-60 11.5 sec, 38.4mpg
1.4i 16v (90bhp): 112mph, 0-60 10.5 sec, 40mpg
1.6i 16v (105bhp): 121mph, 0-60 9 sec, 38.4mpg
Diesels:
1.5 D (50bhp): 94mph, 0-60 18 sec, 53.6mpg
1.7 D (60bhp): 96mph, 0-60 15.5 sec, 53.3mpg
1.5 TD (105bhp): 103mph, 0-60 13 sec, 53.6mpg
Current range:
1.0i 12v (58bhp): 96mph, 0-60 16 sec, 51.4mpg (ECO Easytronic 57.6mpg)
1.2i 16v (75bhp): 106mph, 0-60 12 sec, 44.1mpg
1.4i 16v (90bhp): 112mph, 0-60 10.5 sec, 35.8mpg
1.8i 16v (125bhp): 126mph, 0-60 8 sec, 35.8mpg
Diesels:
1.7 Di 16v (65bhp): 101mph, 13.5 sec, 60.1mpg
1.7 DTi (75bhp): 106mph, 12.5 sec, 60.1mpg

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