1989 Vauxhall Carlton CDX 2.0

Summary:

OK, but should have bought a Senator

Faults:

Battery went flat at any inconvenient time.

Annoying bits of rust.

Handbrake seized up (frequently).

Fuel lines rotted out.

Anti-roll bar bushes collapsed.

Cruise control packed up (badly corroded engine connector).

Driver's electric window mechanism failed (pulled fixing rivets right out of the door panel!)

General Comments:

On the whole a good car. Comfortable and well up there with other good German cars at least on the CDX.

Bodywork quality not all it might be. Usual useless GM handbrake. Comfortable and nice to drive - good handling.

Performance and economy a disappointment. Car is underpowered and fuel consumption figures show this as well

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st December, 2000

1989 Vauxhall Carlton CDX Estate 2.0

Summary:

The price of quality German engineering without the durability

Faults:

Rear electric window motor.

Perforation in the cam box cover.

Low intensity headlight transformer.

Electric mirror switch.

Air box sensor failed.

Alternator bearings.

Goes into flashing Sport mode by itself.

On hot days if parked when warm (although the temperature gauge doesn't work) eg. filling up, it won't turn the starter motor. Fixes itself after about 10 mins of embarrassment.

Mileometer stopped @ 103k.

Electric windscreen washer jets are forever furring up & the jet power is hopeless if the lights (& therefore the headlight washers) are on.

General Comments:

Wonderfully comfortable with ideal knee room in the back for teenagers on long trips. Superb carrying capacity in the estate.

Performance very good for a 2.0 8v & economy is good on high speed cruising although in town with the use of Sport for fun at the lights...

Too many goodies which seem to fail & if buying new parts cost a fortune.

Does anyone really pump up and then let down the air suspemsion?

No confidence with the local dealer, fixed lock damaged by attempted break in well, but advice on fixing problems, delays getting the right parts & THE PRICE OF PARTS!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th November, 2000

30th Sep 2002, 14:56

I have a 1990 Carlton CDXi auto. Recently my gearbox has been doing the same thing (pulls away in third gear), but I have Vauxhall own spark plugs in my engine. Could this be the same problem?

10th Oct 2004, 07:25

Hi everybody, my first look in at this site. I am the proud owner of Carlton Diamond 24v Auto Estate, L reg, 93/94. After 2 years of ownership I think I've cured the hot starting problem; the ECU was diagnosed faulty, as suspected by the RAC guy who rescued me back to Romford! All other ignition components had been replaced by process of elimination and after 2 weeks now the problem has not re occurred so hopefully that is cured. Recently had the car chipped, now much more driveable and responsive, this car drives like new!! Next job for me is to replace drivebelt and pulleys, its slightly noisy, but nothing major, everything else in A1 condition. Rob.

1989 Vauxhall Carlton CDi 2.0

Summary:

One very comfortable car!

Faults:

Oil pump failure requiring a new oil pump, crank shaft, con rod etc. Runs lovely now!

Rear window seized.

Melted fuse box.

General Comments:

After a few initial teething troubles as mentioned above, and despite wishing I had bought a Ford, for what I paid for the car, which was £500, I honestly feel I made a good buy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2000

1989 Vauxhall Carlton GLi 2.0 petrol

Faults:

Electric windows fusing, fuel pipe split in engine compartment, oil blockage in breather system.

Most steering joints replaced. On 187k now so hardly surprising.

General Comments:

Fabulously reliable car. Cannot rate it highly enough. For past seven years this car has faithfully put up with use, misuse, neglect due to dire finances and still transported myself and family around town or 1000 miles round country and back. I ignore the mileage, it still feels as if it would go round the world again. Would love a late model CDX or Diplomat, but would they treat me as good?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 1999