1987 Plymouth Reliant Station Wagon 2.2 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Solid, basic transportation

Faults:

- Had to replace several times the valve cover gasket as it was leaking oil (once every two years, approx.)

- In my fifth year of possession, started to idle erratically and died once in while, it was a vacuum line

- Back door lifters had to be replaced twice in my six years of ownership.

- Need to replace TPS about every two years.

- Paint started peeling and fading off; we live a 100 F Summer sunshine city and the weather is hard on car's paint.

- I think in general this was regular wear.

General Comments:

I purchased this car used, and had it for 6 years, first thing I did was (as preventive maintenance) replace all fluids, a brake job, front shocks replaced (worn out) and a tune-up. After that, no major issues, just routine maintenance.

I drove it twice a year to my hometown, 700 miles away and never left me stranded.

Eventually it was not looking shine, started to have several minor issues at one time (see above) and my wife said it was time for a newer car, so I parted with it, but in general I would say it was a basic, reliant transportation.

Note: When I was in high school and they first came out, I wished I could eventually have one and my dream came true! Now I dream of being a millionaire (without anybody knowing...)

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

Review Date: 17th January, 2010

1987 Plymouth Reliant LE 4 cylinder 2.5? from North America

Summary:

The grey ghost that finally died

Faults:

Fender fell off.

Timing belt.

Pick-up coil.

OPSU (oil pressure sending unit)

Computer.

General Comments:

OK, I bought this clunker not running @ a police auction for 300.00. I pulled it home with my cousin's Geo Tracker. Would not start, put timing belt, pick up coil, plugs, wires you name it I did it. Noticed something the "Engine light" doesn't come on when you turn it over, well it had a severely wrecked front driver side fender, which is where the computer is. Tore off the fender (literally) and found the ECM had a gouge in it. OK, went to the junk yard and got an ECM, plugged it in and the beast started!! Horay!! I had put the fender in the truck and not thinking I inadvertently locked the trunk key in the trunk with the fender.

I drove this horrible looking car for about 6 months, my cousin used it for a month, my mom needed a car and used it for over a year. (oh yeah, we never put a new fender on it) he he he This thing ran great, leaked a little oil and my dad changed the OPSU and took care of that. My mom was so embarrassed of this thing she would park at the very furthest parking spot @ work and walk to the building. lol

Well, late summer of 99 my mom and aunt were on interstate 70 just east of Columbus headed back to her house and it happened, "The old grey ghost" died, threw a rod. She had it towed to a Chevrolet dealer in Columbus, Ohio and bought a brand new S-10, they even gave her 500.00 for the car on trade!! lol That car was built like a sherman tank!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2007

30th Jul 2009, 14:11

Yuck- even a brand new S-10 is worse than a beat up K-Car.

1987 Plymouth Reliant LE 2.2 from North America

Summary:

I'll drive this thing until there's nothing left of it

Faults:

Front floor rotted through (Canadian winters).

Thermostat stuck open.

Distributor pickup.

RR. shoes, wheel cylinders & e-brake cables.

Front pads & rotors.

1 ball joint.

Tie rod ends

Outer CV boot.

Complete exhaust including cat.

Wiper motor.

General Comments:

This thing is bulletproof! Starts every day, has never let me down, has room for five and is cheap on fuel. Never cost me a penny other than the normal wear items and the floor (due to road salt, not the fault of the car). Engine still purrs and is QUIET. Has the very rare 5-speed manual.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th November, 2006