1. 1The ASM automated manual's electro-hydraulic actuator unit is a documented failure point: it can develop internal leaks that cause it to lose pressure, dropping the car into neutral under load with a warning light and beep. A factory replacement unit runs around £9,000 plus VAT and fitting; independent specialist refurbishment is available for far less. Early cars (roughly pre-chassis 600) use less durable analog gear-position sensors; later cars use more robust magnetic ones, and a retrofit is possible. Get a full transmission history and a specialist inspection before buying.
2. 2The steel front subframe has inadequate factory corrosion protection and is a well-documented rust point; left untreated it can perforate, with replacement running upward of £5,000 in parts plus roughly 16 hours of labor. This has been known to pass a standard dealer pre-purchase inspection undetected, so insist on a subframe-specific check (requires removing the undertray) before buying.

• 04V5380002001-2005
  The throttle pedal assembly can become displaced from its housing, risking loss of throttle control. Dealers inspected and replaced the pedal as needed starting December 2004.

US NHTSA campaigns for this model. A listed campaign may not apply to a particular car, and may already have been remedied — check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.