1981 Plymouth Champ review from North America
"At $6000 new, this car has cost me approx $25/month to drive - hard to beat"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I've had to replace the CV boots (4) and joints (3) I don't know if that's normal or excessive for the mileage.
Rear wheel wells rusted out around 205000 miles.
I'm on my third set of brakes. I consider that to be pretty good.
Replaced the interior carpeting at 208000 miles. The driver seat vinyl was also replaced, using the original cloth insert. All other upholstery is still in good condition.
Drips oil. No one has ever been able to determine the cause to make it stop. Does not drip enough to require adding any between changes.
Replaced starter around 175000 miles.
General comments?
I continue to drive this car because it fits me. I can reach all the controls easily and it's comfortable. I have not been able to find those two qualities in any other car I've driven.
Also, my gas mileage is still better than most of the newer cars on the road. I was getting 36-40 mpg until the State introduced MTBE into its gas supply. I now get 32-36.
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  | Best car in my young years when I needed it to be |
It's a little wonder |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1982 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 6 miles |
| Most recent distance | 212000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Monaco |
| Date of Entry | 27th September, 2003 |