1993 Chevrolet Lumina Euro review from North America

ABS system was dead at time of purchase (GM dealer quickly repaired for free under their 30 day used car warranty).

Alternator $129 CDN (at 130K).

Right-front ABS speed sensor $60 (at 115K).

Had brass slide kit installed on rear brakes at time of purchase for $70 so brakes have NEVER seized! - I suggest using park-brake daily and have brakes lubed annually to maximize life-span - have replaced pads due only to regular wear.

Installed new front suspension strut-cartridges $60 ea., and rear struts $65 ea. (at 140K) - there was plenty of wear left, but rears started to make a noise, and I like a firm suspension, so I got the whole thing done at once (why not at those prices!).

New muffler $99 (at 140K).

Had minor leak in a coolant line - replaced pipe $40 (at 150K).

Replaced battery $89 (at 150K).

Replaced inner tie-rod arm $20 (at 160K).

Oil changed every 5000.

All services performed by the same GM Dealer I bought the car from (Pye Chev Olds in Truro, NS). Labor rates and times were reasonable, and I always got a loaner car, even if for just a few hours. Definitely worth the 100 KM trip out of the city to get it serviced by them.

This car has never failed to start, and has never quit once since I bought it. In fact, I have been able to drive the car the 100 KM distance to my dealer for each and every repair (even every oil change!)

I love the way it looks, the sweet snarl from the exhaust, the 3.1 V6 has plenty of power, and 4-speed auto is extremely smooth even after 185,000.

The body is tight and the car has stayed free of rattles and noises. The paint has stayed in beautiful factory condition with a limited amount of fuss. (Apparently most 93/94 Lumina's have good paint, but earlier models had flaking probelms due to the galvanized metal - at least they don't rust).

Handling is unbelievable! Quick and responsive, it inspires confidence. Lots of fun on winding country roads - This car makes a comfortable high-way cruiser too (which is where I drive 90% of the time).

The interior / dash is a bit different (small gauges and hard to find switches), but everything is laid out well and quite functional once you figure it all out - think of it as big muscular car from the 1960s, but more refined and with all the modern creature comforts.

I highly recommend one of these cars to anyone - they are cheap to fix, but stay on top of the regular maintenance, and know a good mechanic who can tell you what to do and when to do it.