1988 Lancia Thema LS 2.0 8v turbo
Summary:
A genuine Jaguar beater for less than half the cost
Faults:
Gear lever developed rattle at 132,000 miles.
Exhaust manifold gasket failed at 134,000 miles.
O/S rear door lock jammed at 134,500 miles.
Speedometer failed at 144,000 miles.
General Comments:
The car is most impressively fast for it's size. You can carry 5 adults and still out-accelerate most other cars on the road.
The levels of comfort and equipment are very high.
It has been reliable. None of the faults I have experienced have ever stopped me getting home.
Spares can be expensive and, sometimes, difficult to get.
These cars are incredibly cheap to buy, especially when you look at what you are getting for your money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st April, 2002
10th Jan 2006, 07:41
I've had 3 Themas (all at the same time) because they're so cheap to buy and run and I'm yet to find another car that is as good.
I bought my 1988 8v Turbo from its first owner when it was 14yrs old and had 100K miles. The car just got better and better as the miles built up. The acceleration from 30 to 70mph was stunning and I've even had the pleasure of watching a TVR struggling to catch me after exiting a roundabout. Indeed the same TVR, developed a very nasty cloud of smoke when it tried to keep pace.
28-30 mpg, 0-60 in 7.5secs, 135mph, four doors, air con, electric everything and in the last year of ownership all she required was 2 new tyres! All this for a car that cost me £750 in 2002.
And it has no rust on it at 18 yrs old so please stop reciting that old story.
I love them!
5th Jul 2005, 03:55
Hi, I like your comments on the Thema. I have had a Dedra, and then a 1992 Thema Turbo (205BHP). They are a very reliable car. I am actually buying a 1993 Lancia Thema VIS tonight from a pal of mine (after four years driving all other carsPorsche/Merc?BMW/Adi/Mazda). Its time to step back into one. It is a 1993, with 59000 miles, has been stripped, fully resprayed, interior has been re-done, engine and gearbox rebuilt, new bushings, all fully re-done. €3,000. Not cheap, but it is like a brand new car.