Faults:

It needed new exhaust when I bought it.

Low oil pressure warning light did not work, but was a cheap fix.

After 2 years ownership, rust started showing at the yearly vehicle inspection, but I fixed it.

After 3 years ownership, the ignition coil went bad and was replaced, together with new springs and shock absorbers.

Last year of ownership, the whole "floor" behind rear axle was totally rusted out, and the bushings in the rear axle were getting pretty worn, so the handling was getting bad.

General Comments:

This was my first car.

Wonderful, and much fun in the winter with rear wheel drive and its LSD.

Never got stuck, even if the snow was deep (20cm).

Pretty good acceleration, but not much happening below 3000 RPM.

Stock Recaro seats were good, and the gearbox was firm.

When driven hard with much fun in the winter, it took around 0,95 litres/10km.

When driven normally, around 0,85 litres/10km.

The sunroof was wonderful during the summer.

Big boot and room for much luggage, but tight for more than 2 grown people inside the cabin (what would you expect, it is a sports car).

Faults:

The bonnet rusted severely (fixed)

The area around the sunroof rusted (almost fixed)

A teeny bit of chassis has some rust on it.

The speedo gear drive on the tail-shaft of the gearbox has failed.

General Comments:

This car is amazing! Factory Recaro interior, factory mags which are approaching stylish, a factory sunroof, wicked handling especially in the wet, this car is a gem!

As a fellow Opel owner quoted: "Looks good, goes good, rusts great!"

The girls love it, and for only 130hp, it feels and drives quickly and responsively.

Unfortunately, in my country way far away from Germany, parts are very very hard to find.

Faults:

Rust developed around the sunroof.

Clock light turns off when headlights turn on.

Cigarette lighter D.O.A.

Rust around passengers door.

Sunroof squeaks and scrapes.

General Comments:

This Manta is probably the only one in the whole country with a sunroof.

It turns heads, no one knows what it is!

It has a brand new set of factory GSi badged Recaro seats front & rear, brand new carpet and mats too.

The sunroof is excellent for illuminating the cabin, and there is positively STACKS of room!

The controls are laid out so perfectly, its like it was made for me, and me alone.

This car is an ultimate head-turner.

Faults:

Rust appeared under the wheel arches at 50,000 miles, which I suppose took quite a while for an un galvanized body.

Fuel gauge stopped working at 70,000 miles (after that had to use the milometer to guess when the car needed re fueling).

General Comments:

What an absolute beauty!

Bought the car new from Belgium in 1985.

This car was way ahead of its time in terms of appearance. I never had a minutes trouble with this car, and apart from the minor problems mentioned above, the car ran trouble free and never broke down.

The Calibra had a lot to live up to as the Manta's replacement and I still don't think it was any where near as good!

The wheels looked fantastic and the car was a real joy to drive (even without power steering) and it always got heads turning.

I think Opel should give the Manta a small face lift to make it a bit more modern then re - release it because I truly miss this car.

Faults:

Alternator failed at 114,000.

Intermittent fuel pump cut-out, which mysteriously fixes itself after several hours, several times over the last few years.

Recently started letting in water during very heavy rain, on passenger side.

Passenger door has always required considerable force to close.

Window handle knobs became detached.

General Comments:

This car has provided excellent service for over 10 years. It has been exceptionally reliable, with the exception of recent fuel-pump cutouts.

It is easy and inexpensive to service, and the performance and handling have never disappointed me. It compares well in speed and handling with modern cars.

Possibly the eye of the beholder and all that, but it still seems a very attractive car.