Vauxhall Calibra 1990-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    A lot of car for the money, due to the notorious reliability probs with the transfer box. These probs have been self inflicted by Vauxhalls policy of treating it as a non service item and using the wrong type of transmission fluid from new.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Probably better than previous cars I have owned, but then I have been lucky with this one-it is in good condition.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Because of the 4x4, you have a lot of confidence in how the car will react through bends and over changing road surfaces.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    The stock I/C is a joke, but fit a replacement FMIC and it really transforms the power delivery. Now add an EDS phase kit - I have phase 1 at 260bhp which gives a huge smile factor :-)

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Well, I have been lucky. The car was in a good state of mechanical reliability when I got it. Because of the wealth of info available through www.cavweb.com, I have been able to eliminate the factors that caused probs with this set up.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    As others have stated, this car has an ageless appearance.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Good shape seats, wind noise levels at speed are quite low.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not that good, fit additional.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Service applies to the parts dept only as I do all my own. Parkside VX at Barnstaple have been very helpful.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    2 sensors?

    Other

    The transfer box needs the oil changing to the now supplied VX synthetic. The pressure accumulator MUST be changed as reccommended by the TXB manufacturer. Change engine oil at 3000m, keep all tyres within 2mm tread depth of each other. Then it will last.

    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