Vauxhall Cavalier Saloon 1.8i SRi 4d (1986/D) Owner Review
-
Economy
Value
What a car for the money for £90 pounds, road legal and in good condition, you've got the performance and reliability. There's not many cars that match up to it.
Costs
It has never dipped below 30mpg, and on long motorway runs has offered almost 40mpg. It's cheap to run and Insure.
-
On the road
Driving
Steering is heavy because there is no Power Steering, so driving around town can be a bit difficult. Handling is tight and the car holds the road well with little body roll. However the ride is very hard and lacks of smoothness. Good Visibility though.
Performance
In a straight line the car is no rocket, but could pull to an honest 105mph on the flat. There is plenty of pull in every gear, right to the red line in the first 4!
-
Living with it
Reliability
Passed the last MOT and never let me stranded on the road. It starts every time, but it has its rattles and knockings. But then this is 18 Year Old Car.
Image
Never a status symbol. This is a Sporty Banger. Not an Ugly Car. The Saloon looks better than the Hatch.
Comfort
The interior is roomy and the luggage size is big, but it's not very well equipped. Seats are comfy and it has good driving position, though the clutch pedal is too high.
-
Security and Service
Security
Thieves know this car is easy to steal, locks are a joke, so get a stoplock, and get a PRO model, all the others are easily removed (see What Car tests on security). Fit an immobiliser, it will be worth it.
Service
Don't take to the dealers. They are much more expensive. It's better use independent garages.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Annoying tendency to stall at cold temperatures.
Other
Key Got stuck into the ignition. Handbrake cable broke.
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