1986 Opel Manta 18s berlinetta review from UK and Ireland
"Punchy performance,shame to see it getting old"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Head gasket found to have been blowing for 6 months,until it finally totally blew.
Thermostat got stuck.
Exhaust center section cracked.
Speed omiter needle bounces up and down.
Front calipers siezed.
Wheel cylinders seized.
Drivers window lets wind an rain through when doing high speeds.
Stalls a lot when cold and has a slight miss for a few minutes untill warm.
Drivers seat squeaks no matter how much wd40 you put onto it.
Fuel pump constantly leaks oil.
Rocker cover gasket always needs changing.
4x4s keep reversing into it in car parks.
General comments?
Its got a great look,and the drive is like nothing else I've driven before.
Spongy as anything front suspension yet rock solid on the rear.Corners surprisingly tight in the dry, back comes round when easing off throttle.
Its got a good kick when you engage that clutch sharply,sounds great when you open the second choke up, but performance on single choke is really all you should ever need.Ride is a bit bumpy at times.Great on the motorway accelerates up all hills in 5th never flags even with a full load.It seems to need a bit more up the top end but hey loads of torque.
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Recommended Reviews:
  | Great fun to drive, a classic design, just watch out in the wet. |
| Fast, fun, reliable and rare enough to be a real eye catcher |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8 petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 54000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 59000 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Belmont |
| Date of Entry | 5th November, 2002 |