Running gear

There was nothing complicated to be found here, with suspension comprising a Macpherson strut layout up front and a torsion beam at the rear. With relatively soft springing and a longer travel than you might expect, the Fox soaks up rough surfaces without complaint, while still managing to keep body roll in check. It’s trouble-free, too, with parts that are cheap and easy to source. It really only needs checking for leaking dampers and tired bushes.

Brakes were ventilated discs and drums with ABS as standard and won’t give problems unless neglected – budget £30 or so for a set of pads and around the same again for discs from the likes of Euro Car Parts. An overhaul is an easy DIY task.

ESP stability control was optional on earlier cars and became standard from 2011, while an electro-hydraulic arrangement was chosen for the power-assisted steering.

Aside from general wear and tear, the only other issues worth watching for are the usual kerbdamaged wheel trims and cheap, mismatched tyres.