Vauxhall Cavalier Saloon 1988-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Find more power, levels of equipment etc for the money.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Expensive to repair (hard to find second hand parts), nightmare on fuel, expensive to service.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Easy to drive once you're used to the size! Strange clutch and dodgy gear-linkages often found on higher mileage cars.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cosworth performance (almost!). Very very quick, uprated suspension improves handling immensely (I have Konis and they work a treat!).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Mine broke down half an hour after I bought it!! Older higher mileage cars must be nursed a bit i reckon! Watch out for dodgy power steering racks on cars with over 100,000.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Raises eyebrows, looks awfully similar to a GSi but I bought it to be a sleeper.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Seats etc are OK but nothing special - wish I'd held out for leather now! Suspension harshens ride but it';s worth it.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Needs a Cat one alarm before most insurance companies will even quote on it!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Dodgy gaskets...everywhere! Particularly distributor cap, rocker cover and sump gaskets.

    Other

    Power steering fluid circuit over-pressurising,not pleasant!

    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