[net.auto] V8 Monte Carlo

micci@nvuxg.UUCP (D M Dennee) (12/05/85)

I posted once regarding my intent to buy a new car (Toyota Celica Supra)
and recieved lots of good information.  Thanks to those who provided it.
But due to change of future plans and my old car "dying", I'
ve bought a 1979 V8 Chevy Monte Carlo waiting to be picked up this
weekend in NY.

What I'd like to know, is if anyone has good/bad things to say about
this car and what I might encounter with it.  It has 54,000 miles on
it.   I knew someone who had a '79 V6 Monte Carlo, and they've had
lots of problems.  I'm hoping this wont happen with the V8.

Thanks in advance,

* Micci Dennee
** Bell Communications Research
*** Red Bank, NJ
**** nvuxg!micci
*******************************

yogi@xanth.UUCP (Chuck Flaherty) (12/10/85)

>But due to change of future plans and my old car "dying", I'
>ve bought a 1979 V8 Chevy Monte Carlo waiting to be picked up this
>weekend in NY.
>What I'd like to know, is if anyone has good/bad things to say about
>this car and what I might encounter with it.  It has 54,000 miles on
>it.   I knew someone who had a '79 V6 Monte Carlo, and they've had
>lots of problems.  I'm hoping this wont happen with the V8.
>
>* Micci Dennee
>**** nvuxg!micci
>

I own a '79 Malibu wagon with the same frame, suspension, and drive train as
your Monte Carlo.  My wagon has 90,000+ miles, it uses little oil, and starts
on the first turn.  You must keep in mind that Chevy has been building the small
block for close to 30 years.  It is by far the most chosen motor
for marine use and racing.  It is probably the most popular motor ever built.
This is important in many respects, not the least of which is parts 
availability.

As for the car itself it is a design released in the mid-seventies and
is the best selling mid-size G.M. has ever made.

The first problem you may is it's thirst for gas.  Don't expect to get
better than 20 mpg on the highway, or about 10-15 in town.  My big qualm with
it is it's poor handling.  In hard conering situations it tends to oversteer
badly.  This is true of most rear-wheel drive autos though.  However, you 
may find you like it more than a front-wheel drive car.  All things being
equal, on dry pavement a front-engine, rear drive car has an edge in 
handling.  If great performance is not what you are after then it should
not bother you.

	Chuck Flaherty
	ihnp4!burl!icase!xanth!yogi