1979 Vauxhall Chevette 1.3

Summary:

Best car I ever had

Faults:

The head gasket blew.

Fuel pump died.

Water pump died.

Starter motor died.

The clutch gave up.

General Comments:

This car from its faults, should in theory be my most hated car... In fact I loved it.

It was my first car and I still love the look of them (so much so I have just purchased a project chevette).

They stick to the road and handle well.

Also they are something just a little bit different on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th January, 2005

10th Feb 2005, 20:22

I picked one of these up for a dealer in Manchester. I drove the car from Sussex, it had 14 miles on the clock, I made it to redhill in surrey when it lost power. I waited 2 days for it to be repaired. it needed new push rods.

I loved the little chevettes, simple good handling and cheap.

Miss those days.

John in New Zealand.

1980 Vauxhall Chevette GL sedan 1.3 OHV

Summary:

Cheap, economical and won't let you down!

Faults:

Original engine broke a ring after 100000km.

Big end bearings were also shot.

Replaced with whole new motor.

Replaced thermostat because it was running a bit over mid gauge, now runs between 1/4 and 1/2 gauge no matter what the temperature!

General Comments:

Very reliable, one of the tidiest orginal ones in New Zealand, only 100000km since new with 1 family owner, only thing wrong when I got it was the engine so I replaced the whole lot except gearbox.

All electrics work even the heated rear window!

Gearbox is very nice with a short throw.

Advice to others: Take care of the exterior! A lot of reviews complain of rust, keep it in a garage and wash and polish it regularly, rust occurs because people don't wash the debris of the paintwork.

I have not one problem with rust, and it shines like the day it rolled out of Vauxhall motors!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2004