Faults:

I had to replace the full exhaust system three times in the period that I owned the car.

The camshaft had to be replaced at 154000 miles.

It failed an M.O.T due to a leaking fuel line.

It broke down on the A1 after the idle speed adjustment valve packed up.

General Comments:

Good solid car which was fast and extremely reliable

The engine was bomb proof that used very little oil.

Well equipped and my car had a heated drivers seat which was rare at the time.

Funny how it didn't have power steering!!!

If rust had not taken hold I would probably still be driving around in the car now.

Faults:

Very little:

Recently replaced brakes front and rear (MKIII SRi-spec front and rear disks and pads) Cost = £94.

Small leak in rear silencer of the stainless exhaust, which I had welded. Cost = £7.50 for welding!

Replaced the driver's seat as the original was slightly worn. Cost = £15! (pair for £30)

Had to un-block the head-light washer nozzles lol.

General Comments:

What can I say... I love this car to bits. After having Novas for my last 3 cars, I needed a change and always loved the 80's boxy shape of the MKII Cavalier, so when I spotted this real gem for sale, I just had to have it.

It's had two Vauxhall mechanics as previous owners, so it's had most parts replaced on it already, making it in effect only 2 years old!

The body was restored 5 or 6 years ago too, so it really is a minter although some minor blemishes are starting to show again.

It really is a joy to drive and to my amazement, handles better than my Novas did and they were all highly modified, whereas this Cav is standard! The gear box is silky smooth and the power just flows like there's no tomorrow.

The seats are extremely comfortable and the height adjustment of the driver's seat is great, as are the height adjustable seat belts and adjustable steering column, especially since I'm short. They all add up to a fantastic driving position.

Standard specification is great too with electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, slide/tilt sunroof, sports front seats, central locking, fantastic looking two-tone paint scheme, front fog lights, sports suspension, tilt-able steering column, time-delay interior light with separate map-reading lights, etc etc.

I intend to keep it as standard as possible as it really is a future classic who's prices are already starting to appreciate. A Friend was offered £1500 for his the other week! It is definitely a car worth buying now while they're still cheap and keep as an investment.

The only modifications mine has got are a K&N panel filter, stainless exhaust, gorgeous and rare Calibra SE 15" 5-spoke alloys, custom-made front grill, leather steering wheel and stereo system.

I fell very lucky getting mine for a straight swap for my last Nova!

I fancy a garage with this Cav, plus a Calibre and a Convertible too! :)

Faults:

The Central Locking sticks from time to time.

The Tailgate does not lock with the Central Locking, thus causing the key to jam in the lock.

The Dash Board has lifted from the Windscreen.

General Comments:

In its day this car was a genuine high performance vehicle, unfortunatley there are not many left on the road today.

Rust on the wheel arches is a big problem.

The car still handles very well with bags of power and a fantastic gear box.

The Saloon looks sportier, but the Hatchback is more practical.

Faults:

Lumpy idle (blocked valve - cleaned up and fixed the problem).

General Comments:

The best thing Vauxhall ever did. Ridiculously quick for an old family saloon, brilliant comfort, bombproof build and new-car-shaming reliability.

Engine is smooth, sweet and powerful even with 134k on it, and only uses a little oil between services.

Chassis is also surprisingly sharp, although the steering is too light, and the ride can be appalling over rough surfaces.

Overall though, I find it a much superior drive to a friend's SRi 130 Vectra. It's miles quicker than the new car as well.

Mine is resisting rust nicely with the typical Cavalier weak points around the rear arches and sills still looking blemish free. The red paint also polishes up almost as new.

The best bit? I paid £750 for this car 2 years ago, and it's cost me a couple of services only.