1992 Vauxhall Cavalier L 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A good family holdall
Faults:
Dashboard lights failed at 40K.
Even after servicing car vibrates in gear at rest.
Water pump failed at 70K.
Rear parcel shelf hangers tend to snap.
Fuel pump leaked oil - continued to function satisfactorily, simply made the engine smell of hot oil.
Head gasket failed at 97K. Quite expensive to repair.
General Comments:
The car was originally a "mobility" car and immaculate when I obtained it from a non Vauxhall dealer. It is the only Cavalier I have ever come across that is not fitted with either a sun roof or central locking, although I do not miss either and they are two less items to go wrong.
I tend to keep my cars for some years and the Cavalier has performed well and reliably, often very heavily loaded with everything for a family holiday in Cornwall, including a roof rack mounted luggage box.
Having an automatic gearbox and power steering is a boon, although the car has always vibrated when in gear and held on the footbrake. I am told that this is a characteristic of the gearbox fitted.
I use a local non franchised mechanic to carry out major repairs and carry out everyday maintenance myself. Unfortunately only Vauxhall dealers have the computer equipment to tune the carburettor.
The suspension is quite firm and with age tends to crash over bumps.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 15th January, 2003
1st Jan 2003, 09:29
I've had the same problem with electric windows. A little light oil (3 in 1) worked into the runners should do the trick.