Faults:
My car (which was an ex-company car) has done 90,000 miles. Bearing this in mind, the shockers needed replacing.
Apart from that it has been very reliable. I have done 10,000 miles in 3 months - with no problems.
Heater bulbs have fused - cost £25 to repair (common problem I am told).
CV joint also needed to be done.
Apart from that (and looking at my comprehensive service history) the car has never suffered major faults (touch wood !).
Best buys for reliability appear to be 1.8 and 2.0 models - 8v engine less problematic.
General Comments:
First Vauxhall I have owned.
Very luxurious and comfortable car.
Many many thoughtful design touches in the spacious interior.
Huge boot (great for the pushchair).
Good safety features with ABS, Airbag, Impact beams.
Great 6 speaker stereo (standard).
Excellent motorway cruiser - ride a bit unsettled on normal roads.
Fuel economy surprisingly good (35-40mpg) for a 2.0ltr automatic.
Seats very comfortable (esp in the back) but brake pedal a little high compared to accelerator pedal.
Quite reasonable servicing/parts costs - no need to use expensive dealers unless tuning or engine management work required.
Engine can be a bit boomy (not as refined as jap counterparts) but compensates with good 50-70 and 70-80 acceleration.
The auto box is pretty smooth but can be made to 'clunk' if you hover around the 30mph mark. Otherwise smooth and responsive and usually in the right gear. Sport mode useful - haven't tried winter mode yet.
Make sure you change the cambelt every 36k and change the oil every 6k.
Now looking for a 95 CDX with air con !
2nd May 2001, 07:17
Cavalier heater dashboard bulbs blown? Can cost big bucks to be fixed (£25+). The job of changing the bulb (yes...just one) is quite easy. I fixed it on my car in 15 minutes and the 12v bulb will cost you no more than a £1 from most electronic shops.
If you want full instructions (for free) then send an e-mail to rhassell@btinternet.com