Faults:

Squeak when coming off clutch, never an issue however. Lots of interior rattles. Analogue clock intermittently worked. Locks felt very flimsy.

Small oil leak, nothing serious. Mechanically the usual stuff was replaced: CV joints, driveshafts, exhaust, brakes, etc. Cam-belt was replaced.

General Comments:

One of my first cars. And I've noticed more older car reviews being posted on CarSurvey, must be a lot of people bored and getting nostalgic, myself included, so here is my review of a Cavalier I had a long time ago.

Summer 1995 passed my test and happened to find this car locally up for sale, in very good condition. Bought after a test drive as I liked the car. The 1.6 was very boring and basic, performance was not great, also struggled for 40 miles per gallon. Mid 30's was more likely on average. To be honest you are better off with the 1.8 or 2.0, they do the same MPG with better performance. This 1.6 unit was just as reliable as those other engines however. Gear-change felt satisfying and was the only fun part about driving this car. Get an SRi or GSi if you want fun.

GL model is only slightly better than the base models, very little interior features. Seats were comfortable enough though and the ride was smooth and quiet, was a great motorway car. Very spacious.

When it was over 10 years old and approaching the infamous 100K mark I decided to sell it; from what I heard the next owner had it to 150K miles and a good few years before it got scrapped. An excellent car for its time, I have good memories of this car.

Faults:

Brake pads needed replacing at 6,000 miles, again at 17,000 miles, yet again at 23,000 miles and for the fourth and final time at 37,000 miles.

Electric windows malfunctioned at 20,000 miles.

Tyres wore very quickly.

Power steering failed at 28,000 miles.

Petrol cap failed to shut at 38,000 miles.

General Comments:

The Cavaliers tyres and brakes wore very quickly.

But it was almost worth it thanks to the brilliant handling and performance.

Power steering failure was its only serious fault.

On the plus side the Cavalier was a very comfortable and spacious car with good equipment levels.

A bargain at £12,000 for a well equipped sports saloon.

Depreciated rather quickly and sold at £5,000 three years later.

Faults:

I've had to do 2 front wheel bearings.

2 track rod ends.

And a full service, including timing belt and tentioners.

General Comments:

I've had 13 Cavys, but never a GSi, all SRi's, but by FAR the GSi is the BEST!

It is a very fast car! Even against newer cars of today.

It is a very smooth drive also, if you find a good one.

I got mine with a FSH and 4 owners from new; every one of them over 40!!!

It is totally standard, including the tape deck!

Faults:

CV joints knocking on full lock when bought (knocked price down accordingly). Cheap replacements fitted and still fine.

All shocks renewed at 130k

A couple of blown dash bulbs which I haven't got around to sorting out.

Other than that, reliable as clockwork.

General Comments:

Bought for the princely sum of 500 quid four years ago basically to use for my 50 mile each way commute into outer London for a year and chuck in the bin. It's still going strong though. Spent 100 quid on a pair of CV joints, 150 on a set of shocks, and probably another 100 quid on service bits since I bought it, and it still sounds and runs like new.

In fact, being honest, it goes like stink for what it is. The close ratio box and extra 15 bhp make it noticeably quicker than the standard 2.0i models. Will comfortably see off a BMW 320i in a straight line which is not bad considering it's just had its 14th birthday, has only ever had normal maintenance, and is fast approaching 200,000 miles.

Forget keeping up with anything half decent in the corners though. Handling is atrocious to the point of being dangerous in the wet. The steering wheel on this car is largely decorative as the PAS system is so overlight and devoid of feel it barely seems connected to the front wheels. Press on at all, and it just tries to plough straight on. No fun whatsoever.

Other than the handling I have no real complaints. It's comfortable, will sit all day at 90-100 mph on the motorway, does low 30's mpg and is totally reliable. The Recaro style seats are trimmed in a nice light/dark contrast material, the driving position is good, and the build quality is truly superb.

Insured it third party only last year (97 quid a year!!) as it owes me nothing now, and if it got nicked or written off, I wouldn't be out of pocket. For performance and reliability per pound, you won't find a better car, but don't buy one under any illusion that it's a sports car. It's not.