1981 Volkswagen Derby GLS review from UK and Ireland
"Fantastic fun car to drive, will keep you smiling for days on end!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator has failed.
Due to alternator failing, battery has run down.
General comments?
The Derby is a very comfortable car to drive, the low seating position and large steering wheel make it easy to drive and comfortable.
The looks of the care are beautiful. Everywhere it goes it turns heads.
The interior is very basic, but it has all the right features, including wooden style dash, rev counter and digital clock (baring in mind this is a 23 year old car that's practically state of the art!)
Handling is a bit scary on the original tyres as they are a very thin in width. This is easily sorted by buying new wider wheels when it comes to tire renewal time.
Boot is huge, you could store a few bodies in there.
Rust is a major problem with Derby's or in fact with an Volkswagen of this age, but it is mostly surface rust as the metals used were of a high grade and therefore were less susceptible to car cancer.
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Recommended reviews
  | Lively, comfortable, but flawed |
  | Very fun basic commuter |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 15500 miles |
| Most recent distance | 16000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Derby |
| Date of Entry | 9th January, 2005 |