1985 Holden Barina MB 1.3 Suzuki Swift

Summary:

A cheap first car with a bit of performance

Faults:

It's previous owners mistreated it too bad appearance wise and engine wise.

The car had cobwebs inside and out, and on the engine.

Came with a sun visor, but had been bolted through the body and it left holes in the body when I took it off.

General Comments:

It's seems to perform brilliantly in second gear. I tested it out once when I first got it. She was pulling 100km/h out of second gear before I had to change. Gave me a surprise for what she is.

The car is quick on the mark and great out of second, but loses to much legs up high. Ideal for backstreet racing though, handles alright too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th January, 2004

1985 Holden Barina MB 1.3 Carb petrol

Summary:

When finished it will be one PRO car!

Faults:

I've had many problems with the car. The only reason I can see for that is previous owners obviously having mistreated it.

General Comments:

An excellent little car!

Have decided it's so good am doing it up with the newer 1987 model G.T.i engine. Also will repaint and add body kit. Worth spending a few thousand on!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2003

1985 Holden Barina MB 1.3

Summary:

My next car will also be made by Suzuki

Faults:

Left C.V joint starting to sound worn out.

Interior damaged.

Seats have started to wear badly.

Paint faded on top of car (to be expected of metallic paint of this vintage)

General Comments:

Being built by Suzuki it is a very quick little car, didn't go too badly in a highway rally against a turbo charged 4 wheel drive Ford Laser.

The previous owner treated the vehicle like crap (e.g carried amounts of timber inside it, didn't take care of the vehicle mechanically or Appearance wise). When I picked up the car it had no oil in the sump at all! the spark plugs were not at the correct spacing, the brake pads were all worn, there was air in the brake lines and the car was still operating, struggling, but operating.

For about 2 months I ran high octane fuel and even my girlfriend could tell the difference!

Running costs are the biggest thing in favour of the car for me: Tyres are around $60 Austrlian each, a new muffler cost me $110 Australian and the car has a 31 litre fuel tank so I can fill the car for around $30 Australian at the most and still travel 400 kilometers.

Finally on a "Boy Racer" note, I still have the option of swapping the engine for a 16 valve G.T.i Engine, turbo charge and a body kit should be easy to make up using Lancer side skirts, and bumpers from other vehicles of the same width.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 2002