1996 Toyota Cavalier 2.4Z from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

It's a very nice car, but it costs a lot for repairs

Faults:

Drivers door window motor failed. Still haven't replaced.

Overheating after a full year. Thermostat has been replaced recently and a couple of days later it overheated again. The mechanic said there is a crack somewhere where the water runs from the reservoir to the engine.

General Comments:

This car is very quick to pick up when overtaking.

Very stylish look with a sports body kit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th September, 2004

1996 Toyota Cavalier 2.4Z from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great deal for the money!

Faults:

Lost windscreen one month after purchase. Replacement covered by AMI Buy Back policy.

Drivers side window motor died and cost $1800 to replace.

Replaced water pump at 105000kms which cost $748. According to similar USA websites the water pump usually starts leaking around 90000kms.

Seatcovers wore well. (the vehicle was used for conveying three children under 5 around for year)

General Comments:

Comfortable especially for long distance travel

Huge boot!

Quick pickup for overtaking.

Really good paint work.

No trouble with Toyota Dealer's Service Departments.

I have just bought a later model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2004

2nd Jul 2004, 18:16

Toyota Cavalier? Wouldn't Vauxhall/General Motors have something to say about that?

7th Nov 2004, 10:34

(Addressed to the comment above)

A Toyota Cavalier is a right-hand-drive Chevrolet Cavalier, sold in Japan (sort of; most were shipped to Australia and New Zealand as soon as they arrived in Japan). It was part of an agreement between GM and Toyota. GM and Toyota own a manufacturing plant in California (a joint venture called NUMMI: New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated), where various Toyota and GM models are made. GM and Toyota struck a deal, where NUMMI built Corollas re-badged as "Chevrolet Prizm" for sale in the United States and conversely GM built "Toyota Cavalier" for Toyota to sell in Japan.

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1996 Toyota Cavalier 2.4 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Realistically priced performance vehicle with comfortable riding

Faults:

Battery died within 3 months of purchase - dealer replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Stunning looker (mine's red and has 17" chrome wheels with performance tyres).

Excellent road handling - takes corners in its stride.

Great engine response.

Reasonably economical considering its performance capabilities.

Amazing package considering the low price paid.

Limited headroom - like to sit upright, but hit my head on roof.

Seating fairly basic with limited choice of adjustment - no lumber adjustment.

Comfortable riding for 4 people with sufficient legroom all round.

Seat belts a bit scary until you know they really work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2002

19th Jan 2003, 07:55

In New Zealand parts for Cavaliers have to come from Canada and are very expensive e.g. $2000NZ for a windscreen, and $500NZ for a headlight. I was looking at purchasing a cavalier, but the local Toyota Garage said that they rarely deal with them because of the costs, they are also not very common as they are all Japanese imports. It can be hard to get windscreen insurance cover for them also.

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