Faults:

Alternator at 80000

Battery at 100000

Rear Electric Windows at 110000

Fuel pipes in engine bay 100000

Breather gauze and pipe 90000.

General Comments:

The best car I have owned so far. I was determined to buy another newer low mileage top of the range once my GL gave up the ghost... was looking for ages in Loot and eBay until one came along... a nice purple L reg Carlton Diplomat with 73k. It too seems like a great car, but it has a lot to live up to if it to meet the six years of pure joy motoring I had with my 2.0 GL. It was too good to miss this opportunity. I still have my 2.0GLi with 5 months MOT left, but I have declared it offroad so I can use it for emergency spares for my Diplomat - not that I am expecting any - these cars are solid - but things to look out for when buying are...

Rusty back wheel arches

Clogged up internal breathers in / around engine

Rear electric windows and door mirrors operational

Rust holes in boot under jack mount.

Other than that, goes great and keeps on going!

I wouldn't look for an Omega - reported to be electric nightmares for early models - just had to buy a low mileage / high spec Carlton before they all disappear. If you too see a low mileage last one made, my advice is snap it up - all the toys fit in nice as well... remote delocked my old one added a 10x cd changer and Gameboy ICE. Awesome! Now got to move the Gameboy ICE to my new motor.

Carlton's rule as value for money masters of the road!

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This is a great car, my last car was a golf MK3 GTI and this outperforms it (not quite as good in the wet). It is very comfortable, easy to drive and no one pays it any attention, All the electrics work and it starts first time every time. I have more confidence in this than I had in my Golf. And it only cost me £300.00 Bargain!.

Faults:

3 'in tank' fuel pumps have packed up, this turned out to be a fault in the pressure regulator. Easy to change and cost about £45. In the 30000 miles I've had the car for this is about the only problem I've had.

The wheel arches were rotten when I bought it and had to be cut out, replaced and resprayed. However, this was a major bargaining point and I got a fair amount knocked off the price through it.

General Comments:

My model is a 12 valve auto so it isn't the fastest accelerating car in the world, but once it gets rolling it just keeps going.

The half leather interior looked a bit cheap so It was changed for the interior and door cards from a carlton diplomat, what a worthwile difference, the car was transformed.

The handling is quite good for such a big lump, but round twisty lanes will never feel like a proper sports car.

Its very comfortable on long journeys and I feel quite safe in the fact that I know it won't let me down.

Anyone considering buying one in my opinion is to go for it, if you can afford to run it and just want a car that's comfortable, shifts, and is reliable as well as looking good then you can't beat it.

Faults:

Front suspension strut failed MOT (Ministry of Transport Test), due to a fluid leak.

Slight oil leak from prop shaft seal on gearbox end.

Gearbox inhibitor switch faulty, Stopping car starting at all. £90 replacement cost.

General Comments:

This vehicle is the estate version and puts many a "sports car" to shame!

Comfortable and very safe to drive.

Easy cruising and reasonable miles per gallon, approx 26 mpg.

Still drives and looks brand new.

Bargain buy for £900.