27th Aug 2008, 14:22
I have a 2000 Cav, love it.
A few problems: had a new generator put in, cost $450, window winder cost $135 new from trade me, window washer unit $90; we went to a Chevy place in north shore for window washer, had no problem getting insurance for the windscreen.
We still get scare stories but I think more from ignorant mechanics.
We had no problem getting a work shop manual and a hand book, both from trade me.
We have had a Nissan and a Honda, and they both have been cross over models, and found these were time consuming as not only did it take time to get correct parts, they were expensive as well.
This time I brought a oddball, so if I have problems getting parts, I knew this before. We have to look for them. The cost for parts is not expensive. In saying that I have not had to replace a windscreen, but I have the insurance for that so I don't care on cost.
3rd Aug 2009, 21:39
I disagree with the comment about that most mechanics that work on them seem ignorant. As I work for a Toyota dealership myself - in the parts department - I have seen first hand how much of a pig they are when things do go wrong. Literally every mechanic who has phoned me for parts says they are of poor build quality - certainly not even close to the usual very high standards "real" Toyotas are built with. Genuine parts are hard to come by and expensive. The only way of researching parts is via a very dated illustrated book (all in Japanese). Toyota did not include the Cavalier in their online parts catalogue (yet they do with most Toyotas going back to the early '70's). They also have a very poor safety rating. There obviously are the odd ones out there that give no problems, but they are in the minority.
20th Sep 2010, 19:46
After a few older model Japanese cars, purchased for our daughter, decided to buy a 1996 Cavalier in N.Z.
Had a bit of trouble, replaced water pump, bought a new alternator after trying three second hand ones (which appear to not last more than 100'000k's), electric window motors, wiper motors can be a problem.
Great little grunty 2 door. I actually love driving it.
Had it for a while now, no other problems. $3,000 all up. Good value for the price.
Have been given a BAD rap, but I am happy with our purchase, for now.
30th Jun 2011, 17:25
We have a Chevrolet badged Toyota Cavalier, which we have owned since 1998. In that time we have done 105000 kms, and the only problem was a water pump at 420000kms, which we got a replacement from America and fitted in a week, at a total cost of $400 NZ. Sort of puts a different side to the stories you hear, doesn't it.
30th Aug 2011, 06:29
I also got a 1997 model and realised it didn't have a dip stick, but when you need to change transmission oil, you use a side level drain to gauge for the required level.
23rd Dec 2011, 17:32
Hi.
My friend wants to sell his Toyota Cavalier 1999, 2.4 G in NZ, done 140,000. It has got issues like window motor regulator for all D doors, boot lock does not work, dent on the left side door, he says it's 1000$.
I have doubts, like will an insurance company offer insurance for it??? And how much would it cost me to fix all these issues???
17th Jun 2006, 15:38
Most of you here have your facts straight, but some are just dead wrong :)
I have a 2000 Cavalier Z24 convertible... built in Lansing, Michigan as an automatic, but I swapped in a 5 speed Getrag manual. I also added a GM supercharger (they'll work on the 2000 Toyota Cavalier as well, and 99 with a bit of work) Also lowered it, and swapped the IRS from an Olds Alero. Very nice car to drive now :)
For those looking for OEM parts, replacement or otherwise... if you can't find them, drop me an email and I'll point you in the right direction! jlenko@shaw.ca