Vauxhall Calibra 1990-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Loads of car for the money and getting even cheaper.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    New alternator at 65k (£100) otherwise just the usual consumables.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Ecotec engine not as nice as my previous 8v, pick up not as crisp and occasional stutter under initial hard acceleration. Handling OK for a big car.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    16v needs revving harder than the 8v but flies when the revs are up. Great between 80-90mph on motorway.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I've owned 2 in the last 2 years, alternator failed on my current car but still got me home on battery charge. Otherwise no problems.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    I love the shape and car, others can think what they like!

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Driver and passenger comfort is excellent, bit cramped for adults in the back.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Standard deadlocks and alarm/immobiliser pretty good, but not insurance approved which is a pain as it pushes the premiums up.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Never used a Vauxhall dealer, simple design means a competent home mechanic can do most jobs themselves.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    8v superb, 16v is more revvy and not as crisp. 16v rocker gasket hardens after time and leaks but easy and cheap to replace.

    Other

    Standard exhausts rust from the inside but replace with stainless steel and forget about it. Front discs wear fairly quickly but again cheap and easy replacement. Cheap tyres can cause front end wobble/judder.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes