1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 4.3L TBI from North America

Summary:

A Classic Ride with Gorgeous Curves

Faults:

Slow shift 1st to 2nd gear.

General Comments:

Bought this car in 1990 and drove it until 1992. Had it in storage until late 2001. Drove it from East coast to California. No Problems. Had to replace fuel filter and fuel pump when I got there. Should have drained the fuel lines before storage. This is a solid car. I get 20 miles to the gallon. Comfortable blue velour seats. Although it's slow off the line, this car holds its own on the freeway. I'll drive for as long as it lets me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2002

1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 305 4V from North America

Summary:

Musclecar wanna-bee

Faults:

Always has fuel problems. I have replaced the fuel pump, the filter, blew out the lines and removed and cleaned the pick-up in the tank. It still runs the float bowl dry when I drive hard.

The bolts that hold the exhaust pipe to the manifold rusted and broke off the so I can't fix the exhaust.

A mysterious "clunking" sound from rear end when I hit a bump.

Steering column is very worn. (can "tilt" wheel in all directions!)

The "floor" shifter won't go into park without twisting the steering column!

Most interior switches and handles have broken off or don't work. Also the doors cannot be opened from the outside so I always have to leave a window open...

General Comments:

The car is fairly fast once you get it rolling. And mine doesn't handle half bad for a car this size. Although it does have new performance tires.

My 1985 Thunderbird Turbocoupe was faster, got much better milage, handled better, and had 185,000 miles on with no major problems. But Wisconsin rust has taken it away from me!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th August, 2001

14th Aug 2004, 01:46

A lot of your problems are common to G-Bodies like the Monte Carlo. I can almost guarantee your steering column is not "worn". Four bolts that hold the tilt mechanism together more than likely worked themselves out a little bit. Also, regarding your shifting problem, the bushings in the linkage are prone to wear. It's a relatively easy fix.

It's all part of owning a used car.

1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS 305 V8 from North America

Summary:

A reliable, fast, low-cost car to own...

Faults:

Just an alternator really.

Choke is bad on the carburettor - but that's cheap.

Could use a little work on the front suspension - but that's what happens when you drive on hellish PA potholes, oh I mean roads...

General Comments:

This is a GREAT car - very reliable - always starts right up - EXTREMELY FAST (though doing this can cost some serious amounts of money in gas).

Interior is very comfortable.

The only negative comment I have is that the handling isn't great - but that's to be expected from a big car...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 2000

5th Oct 2002, 20:32

I have a 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Sport Coupe with the 4.3L Fuel Injected V6 and 230,000mi on the clock with no rebuilds or replacements. Not only do you build up Ford in your comment, but you contradict yourself by calling Ford good. Excuse me, a "Ford" product just blew up in my neighbors yard. Ta Ta!