Vauxhall Cavalier Saloon (1988 - 1995) 2.0i CDX 16V 4d Auto (1994/M) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I am easily ripped off?

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My neighbour hates it as he has spent just as much time working on it than I have. Every says it looks tidy but I'm afraid this model of car can be riddled with little faults.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No if you have £500 odd to spend on a medium-large car get a Mondeo (Zetec engine), Laguna or if you can something Japanese like a Honda Accord that will last forever.

What are you likely to buy next?

I've just recently bought a Mondeo 2.0i 16v and it is miles better, same age but no problems whatsoever.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£500

When did you buy the car?

June 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Erm not really! the car looks very tidy, nice alloy wheels, perfect paintjob, no dents etc, however this car has an Ecotec engine which is one of the worst engines I have ever come across for problems, anyone that owns a cavalier from a L reg to a N reg will know what I'm on about. The engine management light comes on regularly which can make driving very awkward, cuts out a lot.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

As I am quite a large fella It was a little bit more roomy than my previous car.

What was the dealer like?

seemed a nice fella at the time!

What's it like to drive?

when the engine management light is not on it's drives pretty well, the 2.0 16v is pretty sharp, cruises at 80mph easily, a bit wobbly round corners but overall not bad at all.

What's it like to park?

quite easy, you have a good view of what is going on around you.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. Engine management light is permanently on, changed everything from the air filter, sensors and cam belt but still having problems, I suppose if you get a Cavalier that doesn't have an Ecotec engine you'll be fine but stay away from ones that do because eventually they'll play up and from then on it's a nightmare.

What's most practical about your car?

big boot, lots of space and quite comfortable.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air Con is good apart from that everything is rather basic