Vauxhall Nova Hatchback 1983-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Many Novas can be picked up for less than a grand. Ideal for a first car.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very good fuel economy (about 35mpg), cheap insurance (group 3), and low tax make this a very low cost car.

  • On the road

    Driving

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Quite poor. Tends to slide all over the road.

    Performance

    1 out of 5 1.0

    1.0 litre Novas are built for economy, not speed.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Hasn't broken yet. Quite easy to fix problems with the help of a Haynes manual.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I feel that the facelift Novas (1991 onwards) don't look too bad, as they cost less than a Fiesta, which are as common as muck.

    Comfort

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Not bad in the front. Awful in the back (although I did manage to fit 7 people in one late night)!

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Just door locks, so it's a good idea to fit an additional alarm.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Starter motor went a day after I bought the bloody thing.

    Other

    Headlights, wipers, and dodgy wiring on ICE.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No