Vauxhall Cavalier Hatchback 1.7 LS TD 5d (1993/L) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Cracking value - cheap to buy & run, good enough equipment
Costs
Only routine items replaced so far & good diesel economy - pretty good. DIY maintenance the way to go if you're capable
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On the road
Driving
If only it handled/steered better!
Performance
Very good for an old school diesel, can keep up with most on motorways. (I hear it can reach 115+ on the clock, ahem!) Tappet adjustment due - might improve performance
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Living with it
Reliability
Very good: Only breakdowns were when the clutch cable snapped at 185000 miles (back-breaking job for a DIY-er!), battery went flat when left for a month, no big deal.
Image
Not going to attract a lot of attention, inoffensive
Comfort
Seats not bad. My mum said it's more comfy on a long trip than her Y-reg Rover 45
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Security and Service
Security
Deadlocks & aftermarket alarm - adequate
Service
Not used main dealer much as their parts are usually expensive. A local garage stuffed up every time I took it to them - including a cambelt job (lucky I caught it in time!). Very disappointing!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Sweet as a nut for a 200,000 engine, use decent synthetic oil & fuel additive (Redline 85+) & I think the engine should far outlive the rest of the car
Other
Exhaust box, brake drums, shoes & cylinders, wishbone, windscreen. Replaced manual aerial for electric one (because I'm lazy), which simply plugs in to the connector in the boot - no extra wiring required (£50 from Vauxhall).
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