Vauxhall Cavalier Hatchback 1988-
  • Economy

    Value

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Cost £720. Sold for £800 2 years on. Cheap to run at 42 mpg.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Cheap parts and easy DIY work.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Equal to 1.7TD. Good low acceleration, high top speed for 1.6… Change fuel octane plug on right hand top corner of engine round, and run on shell optimax for more go.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Crap. Stored outdoors for long periods. Always needed WD40 on HT lead to start. Lots of electrical faults. Ignition timing needed constant adjustment.

    Image

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Old and dated. Newer models look modern.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    OK for about 130 miles. After that, uncomfortable. Then again, I am 6' 4". Steering wheel jams against legs. Head on roof.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not tested. My mate's got nicked when parked next to mine. His had alloys…

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Self DIY much cheaper.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Electrical faults. Basic to work on. Crap brakes.

    Other

    Tows trailers well.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes