Common Problems with the
1986 Lancia Beta

Buying Tips for 1986 Lancia Beta

• Inspect the structural bulkhead crossmember, front suspension subframe mountings and inner sills with a torch; early buy-back cars were scrapped for failing these areas.
• Change the Lampredi twin-cam timing belt every three years or 36,000 miles without exception; belt failure causes catastrophic top-end valve destruction.
• Check gearchange precision through first and second gears; worn nylon bush linkages create excessive free play and baulking shifts that can be cured with an inexpensive bushing kit.
• Examine the tailgate surround, lower rear quarter panels and sunroof channels on HPE and Coupé models for blistered paint and hidden rust traps.