Faults:

My gearbox (an f20) leaked oil, I am not sure if that is why it was sold to me.

The knock sensor was wired up wrong (a break in the shielding), it was awkward to fix.

General Comments:

Once the knock sensor was fixed the car allowed itself to be driven at it's true potential... unbelievably fast.

Unfortunately for me the gearbox was losing oil and I did not know it. On a run to London I damaged the same.

The four wheel drive is excellent and lets you go round corners like they are not there!

Where I live there is a lot of country lanes, so this car is in its element with fast, safe, overtaking in the shortest possible time. Lovely pick up speed in all gears.

Faults:

Second-hand engine had to be sourced when cambelt snapped at 96,000m. Otherwise just the usual faults that come with age on most cars - battery, suspension and steering components, ABS sensors etc. Traction control has not worked properly and occasionally stops the engine revving above 2000rpm when started from cold. Switching off and re-starting after a few miles seems to cure the problem.

General Comments:

A great car and fantastic second-hand value provided you don't mind the out-dated suspension. Smooth, quick performance from the automatic V6 and Q-car looks can still surprise BMW drivers. A good-looking car too, especially in saloon form with a smart set of wheels. Just watch for rust around the rear wheel arches and the nose, otherwise mostly rust-resistant.

Faults:

Gear stick leather split.

Remote central locking packed up.

Radio/cassette packed up.

General Comments:

The Cavalier that I own is an LS specification which should have front electric windows, which it doesn't!

Faults:

Brake disc pads cracked.

Engine thermometer.

Water disappearing from the header tank! I'm yet to find out where it is going because it doesn't leak!

General Comments:

I have to say the car really handles smoothly and can cane the hell out of a lot of cars. It gets a little shaky on the motorway after 95mph.

I find the car pleasant to drive but one thing that does bug me, although being tall doesn't help, is that my legs are too close to the steering wheel which means I can't always manoeuvre my hands round the wheel properly which can be a problem when racing!

Faults:

Very little other than scheduled maintenance. I did shock the neighbours one afternoon when the battery exploded as I turned the ignition key! It blew a hole through the sound insulation under the bonnet to the bare metal!

General Comments:

The 1.7TD engine is sluggish round town - but excellent on the motorway and is very economical - even when provoked it manages to return ~38mpg. Feels like it is good for at least another 110,000 miles. I can see why taxi drivers love 'em. Bodywork is beginning to bear battle scars however.

Paintwork (white) is very dull - I heard rumours of a dodgy batch in the 1992/3 period.

Overall - excellent value for money - servicing costs on the Isuzu supplied diesel engine can be surprisingly high though.

Only other complaint is the Vauxhall front seats which lack suppoprt for the lower back and are not comfortable on long journeys.