Head gasket & radiator at 90k.
Slight rust under the front edge of the bonnet.
Rear shocks replaced at 94k.
I have had this car since 1993 & 50k.
Although underpowered, it is a good reliable car, now at 105k and still going strong.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st December, 1998
CV joint, gearbox wear, rust due to stone chipping.
Standard consumables including brake discs, exhaust, wheel bearings.
Bought the car with 109k and the only major problem has been the gearbox. Mine is a early carb, recommend you go for a 1.8i or (even better) a 2.0i which has better brakes and more equipment. A better buy than the 1.6 (at this age) due to power steering as standard.
Build quality is very good although watch-out for rust on rear wheel arch seams, behind the doors.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th May, 1998
New clutch fitted, new brake pads and discs, new plugs, leads and distributor cap fitted. The latter being part of my 12 monthly service's. Was disappointed with Vauxhall dealer AND Halfords, both said I needed a new clutch, Dealer price £200, Halfords £120. When I checked the clutch plate myself after having a new one fitted, there was hardly any wear!!! Turned out it was the clutch cable! BEWARE THE DEALER.
Excellent car overall. Now done 125K and still cruises at 90mph. 0-60 in about 8 secs, 32mpg urban, 45 when I hit the motorway!! Cavalier CDi has class, power, comfort and style. I will only look at either CDX or Executive models when I come to replace this gem.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 16th March, 1998
Surface rust in the hatchback seams; was there from almost new.
Developed irritating habit of dying after pulling off the motorway. Never cured, dealers seemed unwilling to help, especially as it was a Swan National lease car.
Don't buy a 1.8 automatic. The car is a slug. Even the Vauxhall brochure reckons 15 seconds 0-60, and hideously slow after the previous (old shape) 1.8GLi we had. Engine made a good roar on kickdown, though. The 1.8 was not the best engine, the 2-litre would have been a better bet, but with an auto was out of the leasing limit.
We liked the way the electric windows would work without the ignition on if you opened the doors. Rear seat space not as good as a Sierra or 405. Why do all Vauxhalls of this age seem to rust easily around the rear arches? Owned for almost 4 years and 100,000+ miles, quite reliable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 12th January, 1998
Distributor needed replacing at 121,000 miles.
Still goes like a rocket even on such high mileage. Recommended.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th October, 1997
Very few problems. Current intermittant fault where car fails to start but engine turns over. Will always start if left for several hours. Little joy in finding the error with local garages.
Any ideas anyone?????
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th October, 1997
This car has never let me down. See general comments.
I bought this car third hand, with 66,000 miles on the clock. It now has 156,000 miles under it's belt. It is fast (for an 8v 2.0 car), fun to drive, the RDS radio is good, overall a very competent car.
The car I drove previous to this, was another Cavalier. In that I covered 96,000 miles in 14 months. Again, it never let me down once.
Buy one and love it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th August, 1997