1993 Lancia Thema i.e. 16v LS 2,000 petrol/LPG from Italy

Summary:

Great daily driver for little money

Faults:

Petrol pump when acquired at 93,000kms.

ECU at 150,000 kms (replaced it with a used one, but it would cost 1,000 Euros to buy a new one).

General Comments:

I bought the car from an old man, the typical Lancia fan: always kept in a garage and serviced by Lancia.

Nylon at the doors, for those who know the stereotype of a Lancia driver. I paid 1,400 Euros for it.

I immediately converted it to LPG. After nearly 100,000 kms with it, I must say that it is a real bargain.

Automatic A/C, alcantara tissue, ABS; great engine, great road holding, great comfort. 10-12 kms per liter with gasoline, 10 kms with LPG, not bad. Always parked outside, starts perfectly also in winter, no rust.

The car is now being serviced by a specialist, not a Lancia dealer. No problems, new engine oil and filter every 40,000 kms (yes, 40 thousand) but with constant refill (needs 1/2 liter every 2,000 kms because of the design of the engine: it does not burn it, it loses it in the upper part of the engine, in the camshaft; it is typical for the Fiat/Lancia DOHC).

Timing belt MUST absolutely be replaced every 40,000 kms, with NO TOLERANCE and NO DELAY; its fragility is typical of this engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2010

11th Apr 2010, 15:01

40000 km is WAY too long an interval on any engine for an oil change.

18th Apr 2010, 14:24

Thanks. I'll reduce the interval to 30,000 kms. The point is that through LPG, the oil has fewer problems than with a car that uses only gasoline. Therefore it should last much longer. Bye.

20th Oct 2010, 15:50

I'm the original writer: 201.000 kms now and everything still in great shape.

10th Jan 2011, 16:13

The car was stolen on December 21st 2010. It had 204.000 kms and run perfectly. Although it was worth very little money, I'll miss it. R.I.P.

In reply to 10th Jan 2011, 16:13

4th Dec 2015, 18:06

Sad, sad thing

1993 Lancia Thema i.e. 2.0 16 V from Netherlands

Summary:

Superb!

Faults:

Seats start to wear badly.

Engine is completely revised.

General Comments:

The car is quick, comfortable and has an excellent design. A car of great standing!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2005

1993 Lancia Thema LS 16v turbo from Israel

Summary:

Great car!!!

Faults:

The power windows not working well and need to be fix from time to time.

General Comments:

This is a very fast car.

Fun to drive with good handling.

Make me smile every time I see it!

Buy one, best value for money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th April, 2002

1993 Lancia Thema LS 2.0 from Israel

Summary:

Luxury, pace and space at a cheap price!

Faults:

Power window mechanism (front doors).

Lambda sensor.

Door frames needs care to stop squeaks.

General Comments:

Extremely comfortable and with plenty of space inside. Huge boot.

Very smooth and quiet engine, although sluggish in first 10-15 metres when accelerates (auto gearbox). As soon as you pass the 40 km/h acceleration is strong and really powerful at high speeds.

Great to cruise at 130-150 km/h effortlessly. Fuel consumption not bad on highways but a bit heavy in town. EXCELLENT value for money and enjoyable to ride and drive!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2000

8th Jan 2001, 12:31

I've had a Thema LX Turbo for 10 years. After 160,000 miles I can say it has to be the most fantastic value car I've ever owned. Lovely to drive, fast and comfortable. No real problems though latterly the electrics have started to suffer from rot and the roof is leaking.

Time for this one to go. If I can find another in good nick I'd snap it up and so should you.

The eight valve engines are more reliable and have more ooomph from low revs.