Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior The paintwork is weak, and the body itself does not have high corrosion resistance. Rust mostly affects the wings, sills, all joints, and the exhaust system. Handles often break, lock cylinders wear out quickly, and headlights fog up. The car's interior is budget-friendly in every aspect, especially in terms of noise insulation and build quality. There are a few electrical problems, with power window regulators often malfunctioning. Engine The engines from the Alpha family (G4EB, G4EC, and G4EH) are simple and reliable units. They may have minor issues such as dirty throttle bodies, clogged fuel injectors, or wiring problems. It is important to keep an eye on the timing belt, as it needs to be replaced every 50,000 km, and a snapped belt can cause valve damage. Additionally, the 16-valve engines require the chain between the camshafts to be replaced every 100,000 km. The rare 1.5-liter diesel D3EA is considered to be a somewhat troublesome unit. Transmission The 5-speed manual transmission M5AF3 is reliable and can easily reach 200,000 - 250,000 km without issues. However, many owners replace the clutch at around 50,000 km, especially with the 16-valve engine. The 4-speed automatic transmission A4AF3 also has a good lifespan, but it is recommended to change the oil more frequently. Common failures of the automatic gearbox are related to overheating and solenoid wiring issues. Suspension The suspension is not the most durable part of the vehicle, but the cost of replacement parts is low. Shock absorbers, hub bearings, and support bearings often need to be replaced before reaching 100,000 km. The brakes are considered a weak point of the model, as they are inefficient and prone to rusting quickly. However, owners have no particular complaints about the steering system, as it tends to last a long time.
