1985 Chevrolet El Camino review from North America

Complete tune up and water pump, all hoses and all belts replaced at 125000 right after I purchased just as a precaution.

Seat and carpets were pretty hammered when I got it.

So I did a full custom interior with Thunderbird Turbo Coupe seats.

Seized motor at 160000 miles. This motor was a fresh rebuild right be for I purchased the car. I saw the receipts.

Front and rear brakes complete, new rotors, drums, calipers, drums, pads etc. 160000.

Transmission went at 165000 miles.

Catalytic converter replaced at 166000

AC compressor went at 167000, had to change whole system for newer style Freon.

Radiator replaced at 180000.

Alternator replaced at 185000.

Had to do front brakes again at 195000.

Had to do rear brakes at 200000.

Had to replace master cylinder, rear brake cylinders and power servo at 200200.

Catalytic conveter replaced again at 200200.

Alternator again at 202500.

Rear wheel bearings need to be replaced at 203500.

I purchased this vehicle to replace 2 different ones. I had a 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and a 1985 Toyota SR5 PU. I then went through the El Camino and updated the interior, added a body kit, upgraded the suspension, and had it painted. I also had the motor checked out and had all belts, hoses, and fluids changed.

I then sold the Toyota and began to drive the El Camino as my main transportation.

I was sorry almost right away. The engine seemed to not have even as much power as my Toyota had, but it used gas like crazy. I kept taking it in for checkups and was told that it was running perfectly.

Then stuff started to break!

I am very happy that I kept the Tbird as I went back to using it as my main transpotation and only used the El Camino for hauling stuff. I have since put over 235000 miles on the Turbo Coupe and it is still going strong.