1984 Chevrolet Chevette CS 2 Door review from North America
"Best $190 I ever spent 8 years ago!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The headliner was falling down when the car was purchased, replaced it myself.
All four balljoints were replaced at 170000 kilometers mainly as a precaution due to them being 22 years old. $20 each, $80 total.
Front brake pads last about 30,000 kilometers, common issue with these cars though. The pads are only $19 so it is not really that big of an issue.
Front brake calipers seized up around the 100000 kilometer, 17 year mark.
Original radiator finally gave up after 21 years and 160000 kilometers. $120 for a new radiator and hoses.
Inner tie rod end worn out at 165000 kilometers due to a torn rubber steering rack boot. Repaired for $18.
Complete Rear brake lines were rusty and were replaced for safety reasons at 170000 kilometers. Very fun to replace them I might add!
Original carburetor was in bad shape when I got the car, replaced it with another bad carburetor from the junkyard. Eventually found that the junkyard replacement had vacuum leaks around the throttle shaft bushings, repaired that myself for $8. Runs perfectly now.
The original paint on the car was in terrible condition, repainted the car and it looks far better now.
General comments?
This was my first car, and I still own it... I have had several other cars along the way, but I always kept this one around as a second car.
The car handles quite well, and has just enough power to keep up with traffic.
The car can carry its own weight in cargo!
The seats are quite comfortable for such a cheap car, although there is not a whole lot of interior space for big or tall drivers.
I paid $190 for this car 8 years ago, and I must say it was more than worth every penny of it. This car is as reliable as a brick and has never left me stranded, ever. The drive line and suspension in this car would appear to be near indestructible, which was tested many times when I was a younger, less careful driver. This car is built very sturdy and strong!
Even after being in daily driver service for 22 years, the engine still starts right up in any weather, doesn't use any oil, and still gets 30+ miles to the gallon!
I look forward too many more trouble free miles from this little Chevy. Good Work on this one, GM!
Recommended reviews
  | 1984 - Chevette CS 1.6 gasoline Best subcompact ever made |
| A quirky, curiously reliable little car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1984 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Gasoline Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 71000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 170000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 25th June, 2006 |