Vauxhall Cavalier Saloon 1988-
  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Loads about. Pick one with service history.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Parts cheap, unless dealer part only.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Handles really well, but can get jittery if pushed too hard into fast long corners.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Throttle not as responsive as pre-Ecotec 16v, but capable. Change the exhaust and air filter and it pulls like the early 16vs do.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Engine management light forever coming on. Very common cam sensor, crank sensor, idle controll valve and lambda probe faults.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Getting old. Rep-mobile image.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Recaro seats hold you in and are good for long journeys.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Thatcham approved alarm/immobiliser/deadlocks as standard on later models.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Vauhall Scunthorpe tried to tell me some parts were not covered by my warranty. Took it to another garage and hey presto the parts were suddenly covered. Dealer trying to pull a fast one - dont let them.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Persistant engine management faults, cam, crank sensors etc.

    Other

    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