CD Trio semiautomatic

A mini limo!

Bought this as a daily driver and runabout but rapidly discovered what a great car they are.

I did spend a little on dealing with non-structural corrosion (front valance, front arches and bootlid) but apart from that, over 3 years, no expense other than routine servicing. Only sold it because needed something with more load space. That said, the rear seat hatch for getting long items into the boot was handy.

One thing that surprised me when family visited from overseas, was provision for 3 lap-and-diagonal rear seat belts. Quite something for a 1982 car.

The 3 speed semiauto is fun and quirky. I only used 1st for parking and hill starts. Apart from that my simple rule was to leave it in 2nd only moving to top once I'd reached a 40+ speed limit. Engine very flexible with plenty of low down pull. Did amuse myself once by doing 0-80 in second!

I did end up with a couple of HL and HLS models in later years but for long distance motorway driving none matched the CD with its velour upholstery and extra soundproofing.

I'd have one again but for the spares availability problem.

Report as offensive