1991 Vauxhall Cavalier GLi 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An inexpensive luxury if you get a nice one

Faults:

I fitted a new thermostat about 3,000 miles ago.

General Comments:

This is my third Cavalier and without doubt the best one so far, the two previous being 1.6L models.

It handles well, goes like the clappers when you cane it and is extremely comfortable.

It wasn't exactly cherished by it's previous owners, but with a bit of effort and a little expense it now shines like a new pin.

I do accept the point made about the interior trim being noisy on a long journey, but the stereo adequately disguises such noises.

I would advise anyone else with a 2.0GLi to give it very regular oil changes as they seem to like oil nearly as much as petrol.

Look after your Cavalier and it will more than look after you...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2002

1991 Vauxhall Cavalier Li 2.0i 8v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An absolute beast!

Faults:

About 6 months after buying the car (106,000 miles), the engine needed to be replaced due to a hard life (previous owners) this set me back quite a bit because the replacement was reconditioned.Although, it was cheaper than buying a new engine or car!

Rear discs were wafer thin after inspecting them before the M.O.T the pads fell apart when removed, again, due to a hard life.

Power steering belt snapped and took the alternator belt with it!

Back box was rotten, a good excuse to get a stainless steel system! It sounds excellent.

Sound system was pretty dank, replaced head unit, installed new front spekers, Sub, Amp, 6x9's etc. It's not so dank now!

General Comments:

Bodywork is excellent, Flame red is still as bright and flawless as it was when it left the factory. Rear arches are still intact, not like the rotten rubbish you see pottering around!

Handling is super-sharp due to spax dampers and springs and sparco strut brace. 17in O. Z Super T's finish the touring car look!

Performance is blisteringly quick, with a few under-bonnet goodies such as Stainless steel exhaust, K&N induction Kit, Boost Valve, Kent Cams, four branch manifold, and an uprated clutch.

Brakes are upgraded to Black diamond discs with EBC green stuff pads.

A few body mods make it turn heads even more as a touring car spoiler and colour coded bumpers, eyebrows, GSi grille and skirts make it stand out from the crowd.

Interior is the same as it left the factory, apart from a little fag burn on the rear seat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2002

1991 Vauxhall Cavalier GSI 2000 4x4 2 Litre 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An extremely fast car!

Faults:

The previous owner fitted the wrong clutch which caused the gearbox to blow up the day after I bought it!

General Comments:

The car is extremely fast and handles better than any of my previous cars.

The interior is lovely and the on-board computer is extremely helpful, especially when you are about to run out of fuel!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2002

5th Jun 2003, 08:57

Wrong clutch caused the gearbox to blow up? Sorry mate, but that's just Vauxhall 4wd systems for you. They don't need a reason to blow up.

3rd Mar 2024, 15:49

Nothing to do with "Just being a Vauxhall" - in later years on the Insignia which is available with a rare 4x4 option, the Haldex system, requires a service every 20,000 miles, which most people do not carry out, then wonder why they have problems. It was the same back in the day with the Cavalier 4x4. These cars required skilled maintenance. Any car with a complex 4 wheel drive system will have issues if not cared for or driven properly.

4th Mar 2024, 20:40

How do you know it wasn’t cared for properly? This owner got it then immediately had an issue. The previous owner jerry rigged the clutch to make sure he could sell it, and the new owner unfortunately paid the price. The new owner didn’t even have a chance to “care for it”.