1990 Trabant 601 X Hycomat review from Poland

Rear suspension attachments broken (probably because of shock absorber failure).

Electronic voltage regulator failed.

Lower steering bushings showed excessive wear and has to be replaced.

Starter windings insulation failed, had to replace whole starter.

Crankshaft bearings has excesive wear after 66000 km (bearing lifetime was probably shortened due to corrosion, as car was not used for 2 years by first owner).

I've purchased Trabant because needed a simple and reliable car for daily use, and found it exactly like this.

The 600ccm 2-stroke engine is bit underpowered and not very economical as fuel consumption increases rapidly with speed, but starts without any problems at -25 degreed C, and maintenance is really minimal: no oil, no fuel pump, no valves, no coolant...

Semi-automatic transmission "Hycomat" works perfectly, and is very useful especially in heavy traffic.

Gear shifting is smooth and easy with lever on sttering column.

As all '90 models my Trabant has coil springs in rear suspension, which mostly eliminate poor handling characteristics of rear wheels found in earlier models.

There is quite a lot room inside, especially in front seats - there is no central tunnel nor gear lever/console between seats.

Access to rear seats is not very easy because of relatively small doors and because only seat backrest folds to allow entering.

The trunk is spacious, but access to it limited by small hatch.