They were the poster child for Ralph Nader's book, "Unsafe at any Speed." Nader listed some of the worst safety aspects of the Corvair, including the heat exchanger (no coolant meant exhaust/air heat exchange) that was so prone to cracking and causing serious CO poisoning of the passengers, the rigid steering column that thrust back and up to break the driver's neck in a head-on collision, the ridiculous ease of rolling over and spinning resulting from the rear engine and swing axles. An experienced enthusiast can overcome many of the shortcomings but it would be about the worst possible car for a new driver. Well, maybe one with dozens of spears on the inside and a tank full of nitroglycerin would be a bit worse.
You must be kidding about the good gas mileage. This car will not fill that need and the ongoing repairs will drain your bank account. Don't get me wrong, I like them just as something interesting to play with on the weekend, not a daily driver.
Hi uit might be good on fuel till you drive it and find out the truth. then we have the safe bit well provided some one has looked after it fine but in most cases NO.
all needs to be inspected and repairs carried out. so it will be expensive. is it really worth it in an old 40 + year old car NO.
Safe is a relative term.As long as you drive safely.But where are you going to find one & how much have you got for repairs.
None of the Corvairs were safe. They were like little coffins.
It depends how you drive it.
For a first time driver (it may be my first car), the corvair gets good gas mileage, thats why I am interested.
