1986 Lancia Thema 2.8 V6 2.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Comfort and speed in a classy package

Faults:

There are numerous electrical faults, mainly warning lights switching themselves on even if there is nothing wrong really.

The brakes have never been that good, we had a seized rear caliper once which required half the braking system to be replaced.

The battery has often run down completely flat for no apparent reason.

Windscreen wipers are really poor.

The rear window broke once for no reason at all.

Starter motor failed (got overhauled by dealer).

Needed a new water pump.

There are a few rust points showing up, mainly at the bottom of the rear screen, the inside of the front doors and on one wheelarch.

The engine is quite hard to work on (most parts are hidden underneath other parts).

I am sure there have been many other faults, but I can't recall them all off the top of my head (we've had the car for 16 years now).

General Comments:

We bought the car new, back in 1986 when it was still was quite a novelty. Through the years we've seen it go from luxury new car to old banger (although ours is still very nice and fresh looking, it won't have anyones pulse racing).

Its the rare 2.6 V6 Manual version, so it has always performed well and taken us through many trips across the whole of Europe. I would still jump into it today and drive more than 1000 kms with no problems.

The car is nice, rare, comfortable and very spacious with an enormous boot. Our main regret has always been not specifying air-conditioning as an option.

Its getting to be quite difficult to find and buy spares for it now. Have recently joined the Lancia club so hopefully they should help on that aspect.

If there are any other 2.8 owners out there please contact me at rgubbioli yahoo com

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2002

22nd May 2004, 18:50

Yes, all the faults you describe on the Thema are very familiar to me. Well done on keeping your car for so long.Personally, I love them, I have owned three over the years,8 valve & 16 valve, though never a V6.I currently own an '85 8 valve, which I bought 11 years ago.

All the best, Michael.

27th Nov 2006, 16:56

I I have a lancia thema 2849cc 6v 150 hp and I love my car is my favorite!!! god bless all the owners of thema 6v.

1993 Lancia Thema LS 16v turbo from Israel

Summary:

Great car!!!

Faults:

The power windows not working well and need to be fix from time to time.

General Comments:

This is a very fast car.

Fun to drive with good handling.

Make me smile every time I see it!

Buy one, best value for money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2002

1988 Lancia Thema 8.32 2.9 V8 from Netherlands

Summary:

Best family car, due to the Ferrari powered engine

Faults:

Alternator and battery went dead one month after purchase.

Further, there was rust around the rear window and one of the rear wheel arches.

Everything is in good order now, thanks to a very good/reliable service guy!

General Comments:

Very good and powerful car. Pay attention to servicing. The club has been very helpful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2000

6th May 2008, 21:36

Well, I can't imagine what the steering must be like. I love this car (never owned one, but I'm a fan), but it seems like a fairly humble sedan could barely convince a Ferrari engine to change direction.

1993 Lancia Thema LS 2.0 from Israel

Summary:

Luxury, pace and space at a cheap price!

Faults:

Power window mechanism (front doors).

Lambda sensor.

Door frames needs care to stop squeaks.

General Comments:

Extremely comfortable and with plenty of space inside. Huge boot.

Very smooth and quiet engine, although sluggish in first 10-15 metres when accelerates (auto gearbox). As soon as you pass the 40 km/h acceleration is strong and really powerful at high speeds.

Great to cruise at 130-150 km/h effortlessly. Fuel consumption not bad on highways but a bit heavy in town. EXCELLENT value for money and enjoyable to ride and drive!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2000

8th Jan 2001, 12:31

I've had a Thema LX Turbo for 10 years. After 160,000 miles I can say it has to be the most fantastic value car I've ever owned. Lovely to drive, fast and comfortable. No real problems though latterly the electrics have started to suffer from rot and the roof is leaking.

Time for this one to go. If I can find another in good nick I'd snap it up and so should you.

The eight valve engines are more reliable and have more ooomph from low revs.

1990 Lancia Thema 2.0 16v i.e. petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Power steering rack, rear brakes, and balancer shaft bearing, camshaft oil seals all at 96,000 miles. Not bad considering the car had not been serviced for years when I bought it!

General Comments:

Very comfy, good handling and good mpg even though it's an automatic gearbox. However I feel that the auto box sometimes takes the fun away by not changing down quickly enough. Definitely recommended to anyone. I think Fiat will allow Lancia to return to Britain some time in the next two years - I will be waiting!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 1999