Transmission failed at 82,000 miles.
Head gasket blew at 88,000 miles.
Engine electrical wiring failed at 92,000 miles.
All pumps failed after 100,000 miles.
The seats have ripped.
Underbody is gone at 110,000 miles.
Most of the car's failures occurred only after a great deal of time.
Repairs have not been extremely expensive.
The car's turning ability is excellent; it can easily make very tight turns.
Very sure-footed; a K-car's ability to move safely on ice is amazing - the driver still has some limited control even when the vehicle is spinning in circles on ice, for example.
Brakes just won't fail as long as routine maintenance is observed
Engine (2.2L) is extremely reliable.
Body (except underbody) is still sturdy even at 20 years old.
Good acceleration and fairly good power for a small car.
Quiet car if the exhaust system is maintained.
The interior is simple, but comfortable and soothing.
Reliant's are some of the best cars ever made. It's good to see someone appreciate what they are. Thank you.
-Rocko.
I owned an 81 Reliant from 1986 until 1990. As was already pointed out, they handle well, are nice and light, and reasonably fun to drive. The carbs on these cars were horrible... just try to keep the idle speed correct. Sadly, the reliability was just not there. I replaced this car with a 87 Reliant. Now, this was what I call reliable!
My first car was an 81 Reliant SE with 63K. I got the car in 93 and drove it for two years. The only repairs I did were brakes, tires and an idler pulley (the bearings went on the pulley.) I sold it because I was an idiot 18 year old and wanted something more cool and sporty. That was one of my biggest mistakes ever. I wish I could get that car back.
Had an 84 Reliant. Could not kill it. Superb car. These days working on classic cars. Found and purchased an 81 Reliant. Can't wait to clean it up, paint it and drive it. Everything is in great condition for its years. Body and interior clean.
If you ever want to sell or trade off that 1981 Reliant, please email me. guitarunplugged at aim dot com.
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