1991 Vauxhall Carlton CDX 2.0 injection

Summary:

Oustanding comfort and practicality at a rock-bottom price

Faults:

Failed crankcase sensor and faulty HT leads caused a series of high-speed engine cutouts - an interesting experience when travelling at 70mph plus! Once replaced, the car has given no other problems.

General Comments:

It tows a sizeable caravan regularly, is extremely comfortable and handles very well when pushed. The wire-spoke effect alloys are murder to keep clean, though!

The heated seats are a godsend, but I wish it had the heated windscreen my last Ford Granada enjoyed.

It seems to be built like a tank - and handles beautifully in icy conditions. God knows what I'll find good enough to replace it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2001

1991 Vauxhall Carlton CDXi 2.6 petrol

Faults:

Handbrake light switch at 58,000 miles.

Rear shocks & springs (my fault - I overloaded the car) at 77,000 miles.

Lambda sensor at 89,000.

Severe chassis leg corrosion (both sides) at 104,000 (same as my friend's '92 Senator).

General Comments:

A very comfortable long distance cruiser & smooth six. Rapid when you want it & handled well. My most reliable car yet & only traded in because of the massive front chassis leg rot (estimate of £850 to repair).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th March, 1999

1991 Vauxhall Carlton Estate CDI 2.0

Faults:

At nearly 90k rear electric window packed up, water and oil low level warning lights are faulty and illuminate when not necessary. Front electric window sometimes faulters in damp conditions. It uses oil slightly, although it remains a bit of a mystery as it doesn't smoke, the engine, however does have a good coating of oil on it, but it doesn't drip.This plus a bit of quite bad rust around the front shocks points to the car probably having done rather more than the 81k it was purchased with.

General Comments:

Other than the disappointing rust the car has been 100% reliable and trustworthy, not exactly a greyhound from a standstill, but an excellent motorway cruiser that will keep up with most. Large estate extremely usefull, with seats folded flat load area is massive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th January, 1999