Faults:
Brakes needed replacing at 100 thousand miles, which was done (not particularly expensive, can't remember exact cost) - and the very next day, at 50mph, the brakes failed. This was found to be a problem with the garage rather than the car, I went back to a different garage the next day who said the brakes had been overtightened, so were rubbing (although not quite enough to be noticeable), and eventually got so hot that the brake fluid boiled, and pressure in the hydraulic system was lost. After having replaced a second time, by a competent garage, have had 8 thousand miles of trouble free stopping!.
Dashboard lights blow constantly, gave up replacing them.
Sports mode transmission light occasionally flashes intermittently on dash, which apparently indicates electrical transmission fault. The gears will not change automatically when this happens. They do however still function perfectly if changed manually, so gearbox appears to be mechanically sound. Switching off the engine and turning back on seems to rectify problem. Seems more common when engine is cold.
Drivers side electric window sticks at halfway mark, will eventually move when pushed!. This can be sorted simply by lubricating rubber seals surrounding window.
Fuel gage is about as honest as a politicians tax returns.
General Comments:
This car has been generally very sound, it may not be the best looking car on earth, it may handle like a blancmange, but I would struggle to find any other faults.
It is a very comfortable car with buckets of space. The back seats drop down to reveal the boot, which; when coupled with a duvet or two; makes a very effective mobile hotel for you and your girlfriend! :) Even at 6ft2 I find myself with far more space than I could ever require.
The car is adequately fast, although never much fun. 0-60 in about 12 seconds. The only reason I'm selling this car is because I've been seduced by the 2.5 liter V6 diplomat!.
The ride feels safe, secure and confident. Miles just melt away on the motorways, feels comfortable at 115, will do 130 if pushed. Allegedly.
I think for the 900 pounds I payed I would struggle to find a car half as reliable as my cavalier, apart from a few niggling problems like dash lights not working, the car has never been problematic. At 108 thousand miles; it has never broken down. If amazing reliability, low running costs, motorway mile munching and masses of space are what you want; you want a vauxhall cavalier!.
8th Mar 2006, 08:16
Sounds nice, I'm sure it would do 60 in under 6 seconds and has 250 bhp. Their also a lovely looking car. But standard one is 204 bhp is'nt it, not sure about 0-60.