Scimitar sorrows
Sir,
I was most interested to read “20,000 miles with a Reliant Scimitar GTE” by your Assistant Editor. I too have been “close to despair” but, unlike him, I would certainly have qualms in recommending the car to anybody as it is without a doubt the worst-made vehicle I have ever driven.
Since taking delivery in August last year I have endured the following:
(1) A cacophony of squeaks and rattles from a multitude of places. Some of these have been cured, it is true, but the car still sounds like an aviary on any but the smoothest road surfaces.
(2) Two breakdowns arising out of troubles with the automatic choke and the carburation (I admit that one cannot really blame Tamworth for this, but the car nevertheless let me down !).
(3) Headlining and under-bonnet sound-reducing material were improperly attached and “fell away”.
(4) The ratchet on the driver’s seat became so bad that on heavy acceleration I found myself in an “astronaut” driving position. (l had the same trouble with the replacement seat and I am now on my third which is satisfactory apart from the usual creaks and squeaks.)
(5) Door trim badly fitted and bulging out.
(6) Passenger’s window-winder extremely stiff.
(7) Driver’s door handle detaching itself from door.
(8) Rubbing strips springing out (l appreciate that these are no longer fitted).
(9) Radio interference when windscreen wipers are in use.
(10) Defective demisters (apparently a part had “fallen off”).
(11) Doors do not close properly.
(12) Rust on wheel nuts. (I had the optionally extra “special wheels” supplied by Reliant. I can understand why these have now been changed.)
(13) Two replacement wiper motors (I have only completed 4,000 miles).
Whilst I appreciate that one must expect a certain measure of difficulty with any new British car, I do feel that I have had more than my fair share, especially with a car costing well in excess of £2,000. I remember with nostalgia my Alfa Romeo 1300 GT Junior!
Irving D. Stone.
London, NW8.
[These seem to be further faults which fortunately we have not encountered and we are pleased to say our last 4,000 miles have been trouble-free. Any comment from Reliant on either these or other faults previously described?—A. R. M.)