Vauxhall Carlton Saloon 2.6i Diplomat Cat 4d Auto (LT) (1991/J) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
I paid less than £250 for my car with 10 months MOT, where else can you buy a car with the specifications of the Diplomat for that sort of cash?
Costs
Even the 24v Gsi models used parts from the lower spec' models, so finding most trim/bodyparts/switches etc is usually just a case of a few minutes in a breakers yard. Mechanically the Carltons go on forever, mines showing 160k miles.
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On the road
Driving
Handles well considering the size of the car, good feedback through steering and brakes are excellent.
Performance
The 2.6 engine only produces 150bhp, but it's good for 130mph+ and can pull away from rest very quickly. Engines little audiable at high revs, sports mode on auto shifts gear at 6500rpm!!!
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Living with it
Reliability
Engine strong even at 160k miles, rear diff' whining slightly, minor electrical problems such as e/windows sticking and a/con' fuses blowing. It is 13 years old!!
Image
Not the most striking car in the world but has very clean/smooth lines and looks very nice in metallic paint. The Diplomat has alloys, subtle side/front/rear extentions, and colour coded bumpers/mirrors. Mine is the Spectral Blue pearl, looks nice in sun!
Comfort
Electric windows, electric mirrors, electric sunroof, heated front seats, full leather, power steering, cruise control.... How comfortable do you need to be? Can carry 5 adults and luggage in comfort easily.
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Security and Service
Security
No matter what anyone tells you Vauxhall locks are poor. Fortunately many car thieves go for Astras and Cavaliers rather than Carltons, but fit a decent steering wheel lock and/ or alarm just in case.
Service
Main dealers are best avoided due to a combination of high prices for parts/ labour and poor service. Most don't want to know about a car over 10 years old unless it's a Lotus Carlton!!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Slight tappet noise due to mileage, but nothing else.
Other
Minor electrical gremlins and defunct aircon.
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