Vauxhall Cavalier Convertible 1.8i 2d (1988/E) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
The Convertible is very rare therefore hard to find. Great buy: £800 in Pristine Condition with Original owner's Manual, Full Service History, Taxed and tested for more 12 months and 70k on the clock and has every factory extra.
Costs
The Maintenance is cheap and it is easy to insure too. But seems to be a little thirsty for a 1.8 Car. Gets 26 Mpg around town and 32 Mpg on Motorway. Not very good for a car equipped with 1.8i 8V engine.
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On the road
Driving
Steering is light yet responsive thanks to the PAS. Firm ride with good road holding, feels grippy at slippery surfaces. Little body roll around corners and predictable understeer. Good Visibility Excessive Road and wind Noise though.
Performance
1.8i 8V Engine pulls very well. The car is quick off the line and the acceleration is quite fast. Good Torque at low or high revs, so it's pretty good at overtaking. But the Gearbox is notchy and clutch is sticky.
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Living with it
Reliability
Nothing much have gone wrong with the car. It's surprisingly reliable for a car of this age. The Recipe is simple: It's a well taken care car. Take good care of it and it will take good care of you as well.
Image
Understated and Overlooked Future Classic. Only 1283 were imported from Germany. Nice looking car at dark blue color with Matching Navy Mohair Roof. 14"" Vauxhall Sport Alloy Wheels. A Real Head Turner still gets complements from the other people.
Comfort
Seats are quite comfortable and enough support for long journeys. Good Driving position thanks to the tilt steering wheel and the height adjustment driver's seat. Back seat is cramped though, with limited legroom. Good Luggage size but very unrefined.
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Security and Service
Security
Alarm and Immobiliser are a must. Originally, this car is featured only with Central Locking Insurance is cheap.
Service
Vauxhall dealers are good, but the price is expensive. So try independent garages. They are cheaper and being based on the standard Cavalier, therefore is easy to find spare parts for it.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Changed the Timimg Belt at 80k. Starts fine even at cold conditions. Still has the Original engine.
Other
Had to have the power steering brackets gas welded back onto the bulkhead, apparently a common problem with Cavaliers fitted with power steering.
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