1985 Chevrolet El Camino Actually is a GMC Cabellero Di 5.0 litre gas

Summary:

Sharp looking, runs good, bells and whistles break

Faults:

The door handles broke off the interior doors within a week of each other. The heads cracked when it overheated. The reason it overheated was because it threw all the belts off it. The "bells and whistles" in the car for the most part, have stopped working. The cruise control doesn't work, the windows do not line up with the body correctly, the radio is crap, the steering column has a ton of play in it, the air conditioning blows cold, but only blows at your feet.

The windshield leaks water onto your feet when it rains, though the car has not one iota of rust on it.

General Comments:

Overall, this is a fairly reliable car. Has no problems getting to speed and keeping it there. Noisy to drive, and the car gets literally 8-10 miles per gallon. Always starts, always runs, always gets you there. Unfortunately, so many small things (fit and trim) are wrong with the car, that it truly takes away from what would be an enjoyable car. Also, most if not all of the small things that are in the car do not work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th April, 2002

1981 Chevrolet El Camino 229 (3.8l) / 350 (5.7l)

Faults:

Engine ran horrible shortly after it was bought from used car lot. Odometer read around 40000 but it was probably more like 140000 of course dealer did not volunteer info because it was sold as is. Replaced V6 with single exhaust with performance modified '69 350 and dual exhaust with headers.

Blew up transmission but that was my fault (self explanatory).

General Comments:

Have yet to break driveshaft or rearend though U joints do tend to wear out quicker since engine transplant.

I've driven it over 140000 miles in 5 years and still have no plans to replace it. Could not be happier.

Cannot beat Chevy's interchangability and parts availability. Can beat most others on the street.

Don't matter if car dealer is big or small the sales people are scum.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 1998

9th Jan 2002, 18:12

What kind of tranny did the car have when you toasted it.

11th Apr 2005, 07:07

It is probable the best car you will ever buy. I'm not very old and I've got one and I love it. but mine is a 1981 v6 3speed on the floor.