1985 Chevrolet Citation II 2.5 litre / 151 Cubic Inch Displacement (CID)
Summary:
A great reliable and gutsy car that turns heads.
Faults:
1. Broken sway bar.
2. Broken driver (left) side front coil spring.
3. Tired left and right rear coil springs.
4. Leaking left and right rear shock absorbers.
5. Tired spark plugs.
6. Tired spark plug wire set.
7. Cracking drive belts.
8. Dead battery.
9. Emergency (hand) brake cables x3 (front, left rear, and right rear).
10. Torn left and right side constant velocity (CV) joint boots.
11. Disintegrated cradle bushings (cushions).
12. Worn out left and right side hatchback gas spring supports (shocks).
13. Leaking gas tank.
14. Malfunctioning fuel guage.
15. Failed alternator.
16. Failed starter.
17. Failed (worn out) ignition module.
18. Worn motor and trans-axle mounts.
19. Worn speedometer cable.
20. Leaking brake line.
21. Floor rusted out.
22. Lower door panels rusted off.
23. Rear left and right side wheel wells / shock towers rusted out.
General Comments:
I purchased the car from a friend of mine. He warned me of all the problems with the car (numbers 1 to 14 and 21 to 23).
As the fuel prices were becoming outrageous and my road traveling was increasing. Also, I did not have much money to spend. I required a reliable and economical car, with plenty of space for passengers as well as cargo.
My friend was thinking to scrap the car. Just to upgrade to a better one. I explained my shortfall of cash. Offered to take the car off his hands. He warned me of all the car's faults that he knew about. I still wanted it.
Long story short. I bought it for $200 Canadian. Did a little bit of work each pay. It has given me great joy in fixing it up. Just to get around. Now that almost all the mechanical work is complete. Next step! The remainder of the body.
It is definitely a reliable, roomy, sporty and a head turning little economical car. So, now that all the absolute necessary repairs; body and mechanical are done.
Next step give the car back its glory and dignity by fixing up the rest of the body. Hope to be chatting on-line next week with the Chevy Citation car club on yahoo dot com.
I love this car it's a keeper. I plan to convert this four door hatchback to an X-11 type with the cowl induction hood. If I can find one? I hope!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th October, 2002
13th Dec 2002, 21:16
Good choice! Citations are excellent cars if you take the time to learn about them.
Here are some tips:
Keep the car covered such as a heated garage.
To keep the body in good shape, you should wax it frequently.
Oh and another thing hardware and automotive stores SHOULD well stock the parts in the ignition system such as the distributer, ignition coil etc. I would NOT recommend you go to a junkyard to buy parts as you don't know if it was abused or not and if it is wearing or not.
I own 2 Citations, a 1984 and 1985 sedan. I'm PROUD to own them and will never say the word "junkyard" near them!