1988 Vauxhall Belmont E GL 1.3S from Portugal

Summary:

Exactly what I needed

Faults:

Power windows failed. Now fixed.

Iron tube from the engine cooling system had a leak. Easily repaired.

General Comments:

Great car.

It's fast for it's engine, reliable and comfortable.

It has nice equipment - power and tinted windows, sunroof and central locking.

It's interior space is quite surprising for the age and size of the car.

It's also very economical.

I recommend it to anyone on a budget.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2007

1988 Vauxhall Belmont L 1.3 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A reliable bargain!

Faults:

The engine tends to run on for a few seconds after the ignition is turned off.

General Comments:

The car stars first time, every time. It's very reliable.

For a 1.3, I can get some serious speed out of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2003

1988 Vauxhall Belmont GLSi 1.8 injection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fast and reliable, but dated in appearance

Faults:

Interior and dashboard light failed.

Boot leaked severely and I had to take the boot lining out because it got really wet and started to go mouldy and smelly!

Door trim seemed a little weak and came away from the inside of 2 doors.

Was susceptible to rust.

General Comments:

This car could be quite quick if you wanted it to be, but being a 1.8 automatic it wouldn't be too good on fuel if you drove it like a boy racer all the time.

Engine started first time every time and was very reliable, I drove it 4000 miles in the 2 months I had it and there were no engine problems.

Nice little luxuries like carpet in the glove box and lights in the glove box and ashtray although the 80s styling looks a bit dated now.

Couldn't really see where the back end was so was a bit awkward to park, took me a while to get used to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd March, 2003

1988 Vauxhall Belmont GL 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Rust around rear window, carb blockage, various rubber pipes rotting, CV noise. Poor idling (caused by a blocked vacuum pipe from inlet manifold to the carb). Rust in rear wheel arches and sills (£400 to fix). Sump gasket needed replacing (watch out on 1.6SV engine, there's 2 gaskets!!)

General Comments:

Fantastically reliable. It's on 121,000 miles with no engine problems (ie pistons and valves). It's still on the original battery, clutch and alternator.

A truly great car. The only design problem is terrible suspension. It's just too far behind modern standards, so it has got to go. But thanks for the last 9.5 years!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 1998