1987 Chevrolet Chevette CS 1.6 Liter
Summary:
Best 100 bucks I have spent!
Faults:
Alternator went TWICE when the heavy snow came in November. The cause was a slipping alternator belt.
Bought it with no brakes, so re did the braking system.
Floor boards are starting to rot.
Windshield rear view mirror fell off, and the windshield is all cracked.
Plastic fender molds are all busted up.
Had to replace the starter in the beginning of January after my floor rug had caught on the gas pedal and kept it pressed, so I freaked out and turned it off.
Bought used winter tires, worst decision ever...
General Comments:
All in all, the car has been the best hundred dollars I ever spent. My stereo cost me more than the car did. Despite having to put at least 650 bucks in it in a 3 month span, it runs better now than it did before. I can't wait to get all the exterior stylings all fixed up, and the car will look so much better.
These cars are slow as hell, so there is no racing with this car! Comfier than a Cavalier I sometimes drive (although there is more room in the cavalier). Friends at high school are amazed by the gas mileage I get.
Great old car for the most part, not much of a good winter car (maybe I'm the only one that has such bad luck), and I've counted only maybe 8 other ones in my city!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th February, 2011
15th Feb 2011, 21:40
I put 225,000 miles on a 1986 Chevette. I would do brake repairs at 30,000 miles on the front and 60,000 miles on the rear. That is how long the brake pads would last on my car. My friend had a Honda and he was replacing the pads at 14,000 mile intervals.
The Chevette was the most reliable car I ever owned. I have been through four different Chevrolets since then, and none of them have been as reliable as the Chevette was. The Chevette got a bad rap but mine was really reliable. In fact it was so reliable, and the reputation it received was unwarranted. If you took care of the Chevette it was designed to run for ever.
The Chevette was designed by GM's German Opal division and it had many parts designed by Opal. German engineering is always good, and is built to last.
3rd Oct 2011, 12:32
I still have my 1987 Chevette that I bought brand new in Dec. 1986. It now has about 206,000 miles and has been the most reliable car I ever owned. The engine/trans/rear, etc. have never given me problems or been torn apart. I built my own functional ram air and 2-1/4 inch exhaust, with 14" mags. It's still my daily driver!
10th Feb 2011, 17:54
People always dump on Chevettes, but they have a very durable, and simple engine. They're known to last a long time. Brakes seem to be their biggest problems. I've read reviews that claim you actually have to stand on them to stop. A high school friend had one that we put through hell, but it wouldn't die until a few years ago.