1981 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Landau review from North America
"The 81 will need some work to compete visually with the later SS versions, but still a great car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear trunk shock assists. May be due to the quality of the replacement units combined with the cold climate. In freezing conditions the shocks freeze not allowing the trunk to open. Forcing it open ruins the shocks leaving them unable to hold the trunk up.
Stock centercaps are held on with plastic tabs. Leaving a majoroty of them on the side of the road.
Rear coils sag over the years leaving the back low.
Common to all G-Bodies and easily repaired.
Long doors are very heavy and wear the door hinge bushings eventually leading to stress cracks visable under the rear view mirrors.
General comments?
Normal wear is evident, but the car has held up incredibly well.
The cabin is roomy, comfortable, and well thought out, mechanical repairs are inexpensive, the 3.8L
motor is super reliable with the carburetor,
after market parts to modify the car for personal tastes are abundant and run the gamut.
So whether you want to go to church in a Landau, drag the bumper in a lowrider, remove the windows to circle track it, or pull a wheelie in a race car, this would be a great starting point.
Don't forget this body style Monte is the winning-est car in NASCAR history!!!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1981 |
| Year of manufacture | 1981 |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.8L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 99000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 110000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Monte Carlo |
| Date of Entry | 5th October, 2005 |