They do have a bit of a bad name but I actually really like the drive of them for a small motor,really nippy and good on fuel.I had a 1.4 8valve version years ago with 156k on the clock and it went like fuck!!!only failed mot on a track rod!!!I've got a 98 one for sale now and tbh it's done 112k but it honestly drives amazingly well,flew the ticket as well.must have power steering though as their wank without it,I would say their far better than the equivalent fiesta although I still think the polo mk3 is the best of the small cars along with the Ka,sure they rust but they just keep going.