Vauxhall Carlton Saloon 3.0 GSi 3000 24V 4d (1993/L) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
An awful lot of car for the money and as long as it hasn't been neglected and abused a partner for a long time.
Costs
Depends on how the car has been treated. Can be fairly expensive to repair and suffers from tin worm if not fettled. Capable of huge mileage with regular servicing as rewarding to drive at 250k as at 30k. Fuel costs brilliant for such a heavy car.
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On the road
Driving
Absolutely superb straight line grunt.. Especially when the dual ram comes in at 4000. Comfortable cruiser on the motorway, pussycat around town, and great fun in the country.
Performance
210bhp straight 6. A joy to cruise in and like a big hot hatch in the country with fun rear wheel drive characteristics. Very controllable and safe. Brakes & bodyroll the only let downs. Turning circle is fantastic too, really easy to park for a big car.
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Living with it
Reliability
If well looked after will run happily forever...if neglected can be problematic and Vauxhall service and parts supply is appalling.
Image
Still respected and a future classic. Rare as hens teeth now and definately an individual alternative to all those common BMW's.
Comfort
Fantastically comfortable Recaro's. Can carry 4 passengers and a bootfull of luggage with ease.
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Security and Service
Security
Deadlocks are quite good, but I reccomend a CAT1 alarm & immob and a good steering lock to deter opportunist joyriders.
Service
Vauxhall service wise are one of the worst manufacturers ever. Car gets over 8 years old and you try and get parts. No chance! Best to join a club.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Hugely solid if well serviced and capable of hogh mileage. Some rumours of snapped timing chains, but generally smooth powerful and long lived.
Other
My rear diff went which was nasty, but I put a used Senator diff on it. Hole in the OS Front chasis leg welded.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes