1978 Opel Ascona review from Kosovo

120,000 km : Engine was overhauled do to low (and eventually no) oil. Lazy neglect on our part. When the oil was changed, the oil pan drain plug was not secured properly. The oil light came on of course, but we thought it was the sensor or a fuse. It died around 1,000 km later. Tough S.O.B.!!

Other than that, nothing serious. Original transmission and axle since the factory.

After a while, the electricals would have minor issues, but nothing major.

Will rust after a while but that's normal due to steel construction and age.

Very reliable and durable. This car has been to Slovenia, Albania, Croatia, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Bosnia and of course every city in Kosovo 1,000 times.

Excellent road manners, with a positive steering feel and gear shifter.

Great seats, not like Rekord or Mercedes, but much better than VW or Fiat.

No power steering, who needs it?

No A/C, great heat though.

Excellent engine/transmission.

Handling is not BMW, but it was much cheaper to own with very few minor problems.

This generation of the RWD Opel's ('75 - '83) is the last breed of excellent cars. Today parts are hard to come by, but can be found if you really look around. Can run well over 300,000 km if taken care of. Very simple in design and easy to work on.

Gas milage is good for this era of simple cars. 10 liters per 100km city driving.