Faults:

This is a terrible example of a naturally aspirated diesel car, the Vauxhall diesel engine is merely a petrol engine converted to diesel, unlike Ford who designed an engine from scratch, which incidently was bombproof. The old Vauxhall, even with the biggest battery and new glow plugs struggles to start from cold.

General Comments:

Poor performance, engine too small for the size of the car and needs to be worked hard, and is also woefully undercooled.

Faults:

Apart from head gasket recently going, followed by a sticky hydraulic lifter, it has been perfect. A mate owns a garage though, so never mind...

New head gasket cost approx £16 trade.

General Comments:

Absolutely great! This is the most fun I could have for £300!!! The engine is reliable (apart from one week of aforementioned nightmare), the interior is out of an SRi 130 thus having bucket recaro type seats etc.

The most satisfying thing is when you can out accelerate most BMWs, eat XR3i drivers alive, and silence all smug new Saxo VTS owners... and most others.

All this fun for £300, oh apart from £20 per 100 miles in petrol!!!!

Thirsty!

Faults:

Wheel bearings, radiator hose, wheel cylinders, couple of batteries.

General Comments:

Top car, that's bloodly quick if you drive it hard. Brakes are good, handles really well. Performance without high insurance.

Faults:

There have been a few problems with the ignition, wheel bearings and brake callipers, but these are down to wear and tear.

General Comments:

Excellent car! One of the best I've driven. I own a VR6 Corrado as well and drive the Cav a lot more than the VW. The Cav is a big, strong, reliable car, the paint work is still original and in a great nick. Looks the dogs with 17" Speedline Alesio 2's and lowered 35 ml all round. Calibra lump is going in next. It takes a good stereo. No creaks or rattles, original interior still spotless and I picked it up 5 years ago for £750 nicker. A steal. The MKII Cav is a stunning car both to look at and drive.

Faults:

General wear and tear - cam belt snapped causing the entire top of the engine to be rebuilt (by my old man - nice one), but has never broken down.

General Comments:

At £500 this is a fast and comfortable car - still capable of three figure motorway cruising speeds and has survived two camping expeditions across the length and breadth of the UK. (Cross country A and B roads are also a great laugh - this is where the car really shines.) Steering can be heavy at parking speeds and she eats up the gas somewhat but at £500 one can't really complain - superb car for the money - couldn't recommend more highly.