1994 Lancia Thema LS 2.0 turbo

Summary:

A fast, safe, luxury car that probably won't get stolen!

Faults:

When I got the car the suspension had been lowered and a stainless exhaust system had been added. This I did not like. I had a non Turbo Thema previously (which caught fire because of the AA negligence) and found it to be quieter and smoother, thus the car is currently in the garage having the original exhaust and suspension put back on. Although I must admit the extra power development and sharp handling were fun for a while.

General Comments:

The vehicle is very complex to work on. For example to change the radiator it is at least a 4 hour job (if you can get a mechanic brave enough). The car has 4 radiators! (air con, engine cooling x 2, turbo oil cooler).

The interior is beautiful, the quality, comfort and driving pleasure is superb. On a long journey you arrive refreshed and awake.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2002

9th Jan 2003, 19:06

Just to let everyone how I'm getting on with the car.

Well firstly I love it to bits with a passion, it's a beauty. Why do I love it well it's so fast, the engine makes the most beautiful sounds with a stunning grunt of turbo rasp! (same engine as the Integrale Evo - 205 BHP) Yummy!

Its very rare - apparently there are only 15 phase three Thema Turbos left on the road in the UK, and mine was one of the last, April 1994 L reg. And the colour, I just love it, midnight metallic blue with the greatest cream alcantara interior. I'm just out to check on it now before I go to bed... only messing :)

21st Feb 2003, 12:41

Thema Turbo LS - Feb 2003 Entry.

All is going well; I just had all of my brake lines changed at the cost of £500. It's a dual circuit braking system, and while driving one sunny day, both circuits failed; luckily I had predicted the problem and managed to stop the car safe!

Another common problem with the Thema is the rear bumper bows in the middle, so I am soon to have another bumper fitted (it was kindly donated to me from a Series 3 station wagon from Germany) - my previous Mk 3 Thema (which unfortunately caught fire) had the same problem.

Until my next entry - goodbye!

1991 Lancia Thema 16V Turbo SE 2.0L 16v turbo IE

Summary:

Bargain; wolf in sheep's clothing!

Faults:

Electronic suspension failed; changed to standard struts due to high cost of parts.

Minor electrical faults, mainly caused by poor earthing in the engine bay area.

Electric windows sluggish.

Rust around rear window pillars and rear wheel arches.

Alloy wheel finish very poor and prone to severe corrosion.

General Comments:

Excellent performance for little money compared to similar cars.

Heavy on fuel and front tyres if used hard, but fun to drive.

Anonymous car that surprises all passengers with its performance, comfort and level of equipment for such a low second hand price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2002

1994 Lancia Thema Turbo LS 16v 2.0 16v turbo

Summary:

Very fast and fun four door motor

Faults:

Minor electrical problems and belt services.

General Comments:

On the whole a wonderful car that's a match for all, but the fastest vehicles.

Enables four adults to travel fast and with complete anonymity, because nobody knows what it is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2002

15th May 2002, 15:38

I agree about the anonymity, these cars drive and go so well, but just look. well, dull! And I am a fan of them, but at least no-one feels that they have to race you because you have a fast car, mostly only you know that you do and, to my mind, that is enough.

2nd Jun 2002, 18:16

I own a L reg 1994 model thema turbo. I love it to pieces. It's just so fast and so comfortable. I leave BMW'S and Mercs behind, I love the feeling of having over 200BHP at my feet! The only cars that can keep up are Impreza Turbos, but hey, my car cost 1/10th of the price! :)