Faults:

The ignition switch went overnight while away from home at a rally, an engine mounting was replaced when I bought the car, the passenger side doorlock sticks so the central locking unlocks all but that door. The wiper arm bearing went and was replaced as was the electric aerial, other than those minor problems it's been very reliable.

General Comments:

Great looking car and good performance but not as good as my expectations. Economy is good when I leave my leadfoot at home (not very often). Good road holding and the ABS and front and rear disc's make for great cross country blasts! Would like to try a GSI or turbo next but would highly recommend buying one.

Faults:

O/S wish bone snapped in half, wiper arm linkage failed, antiroll bar links snapped, cylinder head replaced.

General Comments:

Absolutely bloody great car. I wouldn't have anything else it's just such a rewarding car to drive. Go buy one now.

Faults:

The transfer box blew when I got it and Vauxhall wanted £2050 for a new box so I converted it to two wheel drive.

General Comments:

Very good cars, very fast, easy to tune.

Still fast even though it has done 180,000 miles.

Faults:

Clutch at 75,000 (when purchased).

Heater step motor, rear wheel bearing replaced. Rear door failed to open (loose central locking connection).

Leak on choke housing (replaced from scrap yard £2).

Timimg belt snapped at 130,000 miles at 80 mph (My fault, should have changed it).

AA fitted a new one from Halfords at the road side, no damage. New discs at 140,000 miles. New handbrake cable (old one a bit stiff). Replaced plug lead also.

General Comments:

Car has now done 159,000 miles, returns 40ish MPG and has only let me down once which was my fault.

Always change the oil at least every 3 months . Probably one of the last uncomplicated cars that you can work on without an electronics degree.

Faults:

Water Pump - 58,500 miles.

HT Leads - burning - 58,500 miles.

Driveshaft Gators - 62,000 miles.

Brake Disks warping on front.

Dash - heater lights keep blowing.

General Comments:

Nice car, better than a lot I have driven.

I am sure cars have come a long way since.

Suspension is a tad spongy.

Faults:

Fuel injection electrics at 1 year - fixed under warranty.

Front brake discs every 18,000 miles at £250 a time (main dealer).

Drive joint boots at 50,000 miles.

Alternator at 60,000 miles.

Head gasket at 65,000 miles.

Drivers electric window intermitent fault - £200 to repair so didn't bother!

Central locking intermittent fault.

General Comments:

Generally reliable over 72,000 miles from new. Head gasket problem was unexpected and expensive (£300). Ventilated front discs wear much too easily and expensive to replace.

Two out of three main dealers I've tried find things wrong which are perfectly okay. Current one (Bakers Redhill) seems quite honest if expensive.

Faults:

Inlet manifold gasket failed @ 80000 miles.

...and the wheeltrim retaining system is hopeless.

General Comments:

Easy to drive.

Fuel consumption ok (33 mpg) heavy driving!

...and the wheeltrim retaining system is hopeless.

Faults:

Nothing, it was boringly reliable.

General Comments:

The lowest of the low Cavaliers. Best thing about it was that it could cruise at 80mph and yet still get from London to Perth on a tank of fuel (485 miles) with loads left in reserve.