Vauxhall Carlton Estate 1986-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Loads of space for next to no outlay.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Can be thirsty when thrashed, but parts are cheap and available everywhere.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Better than you would think for this size of car, corners can be "interesting" at high speed. Parking is a total nightmare in busy streets.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Its not a new car, most modern vehicles will leave it for dead. But then again most modern cars aren't the size of an ocean going liner.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Everything electrical gives up (but is usually cheap to fix from the loacal breakers). Brakes wear out fast.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Estate is (allegedly) better than the saloon but then again it's a cheap old car that does exactly the same as one costing ten times as much isn't it? So people with expensive new cars say they're naff

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Big comfy armchairs, loads of space, big lounge on wheels.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Has it got any? Lock the door and park near something newer

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    People in Lincolnshire should go to Troops in Ledenham - the staff have gone out of their way to help with sourcing parts and advice.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    No serious problems at 165K. A little leaky but otherwise sound.

    Other

    Trim and electrics fall to bits, sunroof has decided to stop working for no reason.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes