1970 Chevrolet Nova review from North America
"Bought new, has served and will continue to serve me well, saves lives, RELIABLE <--underline"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Absolutely nothing went wrong with the car from 1970 straight through to 1992. This could be do to the fact that the car only had 22,000 miles on it in 1992.
1977 car was broadsided by a speeding red light runner, brought car to dealership where bought and passanger side quarter panel, door, and front fender was replaced. Looked beautiful again.
1992-present: Car was involved in hit and run accident, SUV hit driver's side quarter panel. Crunched it and bent the frame. Still drivable (As I still drive it=) ). At this point all that was done was the driver's side tail-light was replaced as the original had been destroyed by the SUV that slammed into it.
Water pump replaced at about 25,000 miles.
Exhaust system replaced at 25,000 miles.
Master cylinder replaced at 28,000 miles.
Bench seat started to completely dissintigrate as of 1995.
Master cylinder replaced at 50,000 miles.
Radiator replaced at 50,000 miles.
Radiator replaced at 79,000 miles.
Master cylinder replaced at 79,000 miles.
All mileage designations are estimates. IE: "Replaced at 79,000 miles" = possibly 78-81,000 miles.
General comments?
This car has saved multiple people's lives. The strong construction of the 1970 Chevrolet Nova is what kept every occupant in the car alive and barely ever injured in some of the serious accidents the car has been involved in.
1977 broadside
1992 quarter panel hit and run
2001 broadside.
Everything in this car is original except for the passanger side quarter, door, and fender. Also, the bench seat was replaced with that from a 1973 Pontiac Ventura in 2004. (Nice seat! heh)
The 230 cubic inch straight 6 cylinder engine is an AMAZING engine that has never ever ever in (going on in two months) 36 years. Ever broken down, never (I can't stress that enough).
These engines will never die, never. Having a nova with a straight six is having one of the most reliable vehicles ever built. Decent fuel economy at 15 MPG avg (city).
Don't expect stunning performance like the SS novas though with a straight six. The 230 cubic inch has 140 horsepower at the engine and the 250 has 155. At the wheels it's probably around 100 and 105 respectively.
Transmission fluid has never been changed lol, and the trannie performs immaculately. (Will be having the trannie flushed soon ;)
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| A well-built, well-designed, tireless, cheap-to-keep servant |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1970 |
| Year of manufacture | 1970 |
| First year of ownership | 1970 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 230 C.I.D. straight six. Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 89699 miles |
| Date of Entry | 28th December, 2005 |