Vauxhall Cavalier Hatchback 1988-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Everything you need, for the price of a few good nights out.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Cheapest car I've ever run. Better on fuel than an 1100 Fiesta! 35-40mpg round town, 45-50mpg on a long run. And this is a 2 litre petrol remember. Parts dirt cheap and a dealer around every corner.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Built for motorways. Red-line in top and you'd be doing best part of 200mph! Maximum dash for minumum revs. Driving in a straight line is what it does best. Decent enough grip on the bends, but the tyres do all the work.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    From the days before cars weighed as much as a small tank, so fast enough for most occasions. 125mph and 45mpg economy (but not at the same time).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Only done 226,000 miles, so nicely run in. Expected stuff at this age. New alternator, radiator, fuel tank etc, but never left me stranded in 8 years. Cam-belt change and regular decent oil is a must. Still on original clutch!

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    It's a Cavalier, so never gonna snap knicker elastic at a hundred yards, but lorry drivers let you out of side streets and old ladies help you with the shopping... Now sold my soul to the devil and bought a BMW cos I'm bored with the Cav.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Plenty of room and quiet when cruising, but seats are from the Nazi school of posture. Get SRi sports seats or Recaros if you have a bad back, 'cos these'll sure as hell make it worse.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Decent deadlocks, average alarm. Never gone missing, but the scum have had a couple of tries. Almost bent a door in half trying, but they still couldn't get in.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never used Vauxhall service, but always use genuine Vauxhall parts.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Engine goes on forever if regularly serviced. New alternator and water pump, but to be expected with mileage.

    Other

    Electric window played up and wiper linkage self-destructs every 80,000 miles or so.

    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