1981 Talbot Solara LS 1.6 petrol
Summary:
Good reliable car if image isn't your main concern
Faults:
Not a lot went wrong, the clutch was replaced after buying the car.
General Comments:
I bought my Solara for £120 in reasonable condition. My only major outlay was £80 for a new clutch and I sold it a year later for £180. £20 for a year's motoring - I'm not compaining.
A comfortable motorway cruiser, I travelled all over and it never once missed a beat apart from a broken accelerator cable - A bicycle brake cable from the shop in the next village got me home!
Don't expect superb handling, but for bargain motoring I've never had better!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 27th September, 2001
23rd Mar 2004, 06:14
My first car was a Solara and the only problems I had with her were rusting wheel arches and a leaking sunroof, however the engine mounting bracket did have to be welded as it started to shear in half. Other than that she was a good all round runner and would easily top the ton mark.
18th May 2004, 07:50
I've had 2 Solaras so far, still owning the second one (SX '81). The first, 2 friends and I bought at 250 pounds to only take us to France for a week or 3, but ended up staying with us for a year! It was the most relaxed car ever, and we never had any problems with it. It eventually made me desire another one, after driving a Golf for a year. I found a great SX automatic with full options (cruise, power steering, trip comp), that I still own after 4 years. Problems are water leakage, loads of rust and leaking power steering. But it always runs and has never let me down. I've never driven a more comfortable car!
8th Aug 2006, 08:06
I bought my Solara SX 5 speed about five years ago and what a lovely car.
It´s very easy to handle and cheap to drive.
My car is totally clean when it comes to rust!!
I think I will keep this car for many years.
The only problem is to get spare parts to the car.
(it is a bit old)!!
12th Jan 2002, 03:21
Having had a Solara GLS for around 16 years (105K miles), I would concur with all that this reviewer has said. One big problem is water leaks, especially around the rear window. Water gets into the space between the double-walled bodywork surrounding the rear wheels (RH side in particular) such that rust rot around the wheel arches becomes severe.