1973 Leyland Marina TC Coupe 1.7

Summary:

Straight line OK, but beware of corners

Faults:

Carby needed overhauling.

Blown head gasket.

Clutch.

Brakes.

General Comments:

Ah, my first ever car. The TC Marina 1750 coupe. It was a great car - for a while. The engine was its best feature, and it did motor along, but look out for those corners! It handled uummm - sorry it just didn't handle.

It was also quite comfortable & roomy inside, but that was about it. Got sick of trying to maintain it and traded it in; I think they melted it down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th June, 2007

1972 Leyland Marina Super

Summary:

A car with character, but ready to surprise you with another fault at any time

Faults:

Drive shaft broke going up a steep hill, and needed rebuilding at a total cost of nearly $600.

Wiring is now mostly gone and only the essentials work such as lights and cassette player.

Windscreen wiper motor broke down and needs to be completely replaced at a cost of around $300 including labour.

The seats are so well used that I need to use a cushion to see over the steering wheel.

The inside parts are so worn that all window winders are snapped off.

The coil began to fail and has now been replaced. the car starts first time every time since the coil was replaced.

The heating does not work.

General Comments:

Apart from general problems listed, the car starts first time every time and is economical to run.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th January, 2003

21st Jan 2003, 18:47

Are you sure it hasn`t gone round the clock or had the clock wound back?

26th Aug 2004, 20:28

It's a Marina,so it will probably self destruct before the odometer gets anywhere near to winding 'round the clock'(!)

28th Mar 2011, 02:08

The ill-fated Leyland Marina 6 cylinder version has endured many a negative remark/comment, in its brief Australian history. Certainly, ownership of the Marina could be problematical, but, overall, when maintained & driven with a modicum of care & sympathy, the Marina could be quite a dependable medium sized motor-car. In its day, the biggest hurdle the Leyland faced was the very high standard that the Japanese manufacturers built their vehicles to, it being unattainable by even the well established makes of Holden, Ford & Chrysler. The rudimentary front suspension & the fact that the Marina was from the same "stable" as the poorly received P-76, only added to the negativity that surrounded it.