Vauxhall Carlton Saloon 1800 GL 4d (1985/B) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Depreciation from new was rapid, but anything worth driving now will have hit rock bottom and will represent good value for money, provided it's been well maintained.
Costs
Parts shared with 1800 Cavaliers, so plenty available and cheap. DIY servicing is simple and straightforward. Expect 25-34mpg.
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On the road
Driving
Handles nicely (better than the Cortina it replaced, anyway!). PAS a bit on the light side. Need to drive it hard with lots of gearchanges to get the best out of it, but the 'box is sweet and overall it's quite rewarding, in a conservative sort of way...
Performance
It's a big car for a 1.8 carburated engine and could really do with a 2.0. Adequate for a family car, but not what you'd call inspiring! I wouldn't try towing a caravan with one...
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Living with it
Reliability
Never had any major problems. Scores 4 not 5 because dealers caused more problems than they solved during services. Mechanic's fault, though, not the car's.
Image
Average, large family/junior executive barge. Nothing to get excited about, but nicer than a Mk.I Sierra.
Comfort
Lovely comfortable seats, good ride and fairly good interior layout. Bags of leg/headroom all round. Good sized boot means you don't have to share the cabin with luggage for family holidays! Not too many toys, though.
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Security and Service
Security
Only reason it doesn't score 1 is that no-one wants to nick it. Hardly worth locking, really, as a foot of coathanger wire is faster than a key! Immobilisers were unheard of when these were built, but a steering lock should be adequate to deter most.
Service
Vauxhall dealers are hopeless. Never fixed niggles first time and generally caused most of them in the first place. Find a trusted independant or service it yourself - it's easy.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Strong, but can be stressed by big car. Regular servicing essential.
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No