Lancia Dedra (1990 - 1994) 2.0 ie LS 4d (1994/L) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A bit of an eccentric, definately a brand enthusiast. The fact that Lancias haven't been on sale in the UK for so long means that it says nothing about my wealth as maybe I bought it for a song last week, or maybe I bought it for £18,000 when it was new and have never replaced it...

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all think I'm mad...

Would you buy this car again and why?

Oh yes... Although I admit I'm not rational about this car. However, If I did get another Dedra I'd probably keep this one on for spares as although engine parts are easy to get hold of, it's a nightmare to get bodywork for a Lancia in the UK.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Lancia, either a more powerful Dedra or a classic like a Fulvia.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£795

When did you buy the car?

March 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

I shopped around for the right car and found mine unwanted on a forecourt in Southampton. The Dealer couldn't give it away to the local punters so I got a excellent price despite the car being in pretty good condition.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I love Lancias and the Dedra offers better value for money and greater reliablity than the Delta.

What was the dealer like?

Very obliging. Picked me up from the station when I came to collect the car and was a pleasture to deal with the whole while.

What's it like to drive?

Terrific! Despite being a front driver it's a very competant steer and the performance is impressive despite the apparently modest power output. Lancias are traditionally tuned for torque and the Dedra is no exception - if you plant your foot it responds eagerly at almost any speed and it's ability to accelerate from 50 to 70 mph or more is particulary impressive. It's doubtless put in the shade by the latest comparable cars, but it's still licence worryingly quick and achieves it all with very little noise or fuss. Travelling across Germany by night a couple of years ago I was able to travel nearly 150 miles in a little more than an hour with very little stress or tiredness.

What's it like to park?

It's not very big and has plenty of glass and no major blindspots. Throw in the power steering and it's a doddle to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The clutch went at about 100,000 miles and it needed a new exhaust but you expect that kind of thing from a car this age. Mechanically it has otherwise proven pretty much bomb proof, expecially the engine. Mechanical parts are easy to get hold of as most of them are stock FIAT. Bodywork, on the other hand, is a nightmare to source...

What's most practical about your car?

Like most small Executive saloons, it's not a terribly practical car, but it's passenger compartment is roomier than most and it's very comortable in a well worn kind of way...

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's got an electric aerial that goes up and down when you turn the radio on. I've wanted a car with one of those ever since I saw a Ferrari 412 with one in Calais when I was six...