Used Lancia Thema

What to know before buying: Lancia Thema

From 3 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• Built from 1985 to 1994, the Thema came as a Giugiaro-designed saloon and a Pininfarina-designed estate; it was among the largest and most comfortable cars in its class.[1]one sourceLancia Thema
• The galvanized body helped the Thema restore Lancia's reputation for quality; an owner of a 1990 car also reported that his example had no rust.[1][4]Lancia Thema
• The owner of a 1992 2.5 turbodiesel rated comfort 10/10 and reported that, after an initial solenoid-valve repair, the car started reliably for about 40,000 km.[5]one sourceLancia Thema
• A 16V Turbo owner described the driving experience as genuinely enjoyable, although his 20-year-old car had already required numerous repairs.[3]one sourceLancia Thema

Typical faults

• On a 1990 2.0 petrol car, the camshafts began knocking at 163,000 km; later the timing belt jumped and all 16 valves collided, despite replacement at 135,000 km.[4]one sourceLancia Thema

  163 000–163 000 km · 1990–1990 · 2.0 petrol 16V

• The same 1990 2.0 car needed a replacement speedometer/odometer unit and repairs to the electric-seat wiring connections.[4]one sourceLancia Thema

  1990–1990 · 2.0 petrol

• One inspected 2.0 i.e. Turbo had its turbo removed, a rotten exhaust, a leaking steering rack, suspicious engine noise and a plastic fuel tank split underneath.[2]one sourceLancia Thema

  2.0 i.e. Turbo 8V

• A 16V Turbo owner replaced the complete exhaust, clutch cylinder and steering-rack boots, repaired the electrics, and planned a turbo rebuild and replacement of all dampers.[3]one sourceLancia Thema

  2.0 16V Turbo

• A review of a 1992 2.5 turbodiesel reported that the dampers and an injector needed replacement; an initial no-start condition was cured by replacing a solenoid valve.[5]one sourceLancia Thema

  1992–1992 · 2.5 turbodiesel

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0 four-cylinder petrol engines, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, are described by the source as reliable and good-performing.[1]one sourceLancia Thema
• The Alfa Romeo 3.0 V6 fitted from 1992 is regarded by the source as one of the best and most reliable engines.[1]one sourceLancia Thema

What to check at the inspection

• Listen to a cold 2.0 16V for camshaft or deeper knocking, and verify documented timing-belt work: in one case the belt jumped even after a workshop replacement.[4]one sourceLancia Thema
• On a turbo model, verify turbo operation and repair history: the sources mention both a removed turbo and one awaiting a rebuild.[2][3]Lancia Thema
• On a lift, inspect the complete exhaust, steering rack and its boots, clutch cylinder, and the underside of the plastic fuel tank.[2][3]Lancia Thema
• Test the speedometer, odometer, electric seats and all other electrics; the sources report repairs to the instrument unit, seat wiring and the electrical system generally.[4][3]Lancia Thema
• On a 2.5 turbodiesel, check cold starting, the solenoid valve, injectors and dampers.[5]one sourceLancia Thema

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]cbc.rs — Lancia Thema · forum
2. [2]fiat-lancia.org.rs — Lancia Thema - pomoć oko kupovine · forum
3. [3]fiat-lancia.org.rs — Lancia Thema 16v T · forum
4. [4]cars.cz — Auto recenze Lancia Thema · press
5. [5]cars.cz — Auto recenze Lancia Thema · press

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