Faults:
Previous owner had taken good care of this car (purchased as a first car for my teenagers). Major work done by previous owner was an alternator at 72,000 miles, a re-manufactured engine at 77,000 miles, and a radiator replacement at 90,000 miles.
'Deferred maintenance' done since I acquired it include new engine hoses (to repair vacuum leaks & check engine light), O2 sensor, all new belts, and new rear brakes and leaf springs (to repair a rear brake 'grabbing' problem.
General Comments:
Interior of the car is in great shape. Upholstery is like new, and all power options work (windows, cassette, etc).
After 17 years, there's very little rust on the body, but the base of the driver's door has rusted out, and I'm seeing some at the lower corners of the doors - time for some body work.
It doesn't have ABS or air bags, but being solid steel, but in any collision I'm convinced that the other (plastic) car will be demolished.
The 2.5 liter is low on power, great on gas mileage. As a teenager's first car, I'm glad he can't 'floor it' and 'peel rubber'!
4th Jan 2010, 19:45
Hello! I own two 85 STE's with all of the fuel injection still on the car. For me, the efi has proven reliable, though I have read where the computer fails causing the car to run very rich.
My first STE I purchased in 11/88 and the second one in 11/07. I also own a 2001 Audi A4 which I purchased new and now has 217,000 miles. My original STE has over 300,000 miles on it (the second engine, which was remaufactured), while the other STE has 129,000 miles on it.
When I purchased the car, I had the cooling system, brake system, and the transmission completely flushed out and had the fuel injection system cleaned using the Motor Vac system. Then the paint, headliner, rack and pinion were replaced. Including the purchase price, I believe I have invested $2,800.00 in the car.
What I like about the STE, is the way the car drives, the way it steers, handles, brakes, and the interior is very nice compared to the new Pontiacs, which do not have the variety of colors of the STE.