Faults:
The engine accelerates and brakes in a rhythm, a bit scary when going around bends.
Engine occasionally cuts power when overtaking on the motorway.
Gear change rough when slowing in sports mode.
Engine revs itself to 2500 RPM when in 'Park'
General Comments:
The things that have gone wrong with the car is probably due to me not getting round to having it serviced in the year that I've been driving it. I have driven 19,000 miles in it.
Apart from the problems I have experienced, the car is very comfortable, reliable and responsive. This is my first automatic, and while I like the sports mode function, I realise now that I prefer a manual gearbox.
The interior of the car is very comfortable indeed, and all the controls function as they should. Heated seats would have been the icing on the cake though. However, it warms up very well inside on those cold winter mornings.
My only complaint is the cost of original Vauxhall parts for this car. I have broken two side mirrors this year (not my fault!!!) and they are very expensive to replace as they are fully electric and have painted casings. The cost of a new mirror including casing is approximately £180 from Vauxhall, I have resorted to obtaining one (fully functional) from a parts specialist for around £70-
20th Jul 2002, 09:00
Having owned a Cavalier myself I found I can easily obtain many replacement parts from scrap yards. If you have the patience, time, and know how to use a spanner you can remove what you need from scrapped cars. - It is even possible to get an electric wing mirror for 5 to 15 pounds (depending on the scrap merchant).