Vauxhall Nova Hatchback 1983-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good specification for the year (electric windows, central/locking)

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cheap parts - very easy DIY.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Economical, swift, lots of grunt in all gears makes for good progress without lots of gear changing.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    100PS - very good for the year, but probably only average these days.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    In 40K miles and two years: Head gasket. Fuel pump relay. Few dash bulbs. Starts first time every time.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Sadly viewed as a boy racer mobile, but only if Trevved up. GSi standard trim is very smart.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Recaro-style seats are wonderful (and I suffer from back pain.) Sporty suspension so ride is a bit hard.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Security. Wassat? Fairly appalling but no worse than anything else designed in the mid 80s.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Vauxhall dealers vary wildly - some are great, some are attrocious.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Head gasket at 78K.

    Other

    Fuel pump relay. Dash bulbs.

    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