1987 Vauxhall Nova Merit 1.2 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
I would recommend it as a starter car because of low insurance, fuel consumption+reliability
Faults:
One car that's a favorite when it comes to getting stolen.
Contacts for the offside tail light played up, but easily fixable.
General Comments:
On the whole this is a really good starter car which is very reliable if well looked after. The one I have was bought with very low mileage, but generally even if they do have high mileage they still go well.
Mechanically there very easy to repair and replacement parts are usually quite cheap.
There quite a good car to modify too because there quite simple to take apart and put additional extras on.
One problem that usually comes up when modifying them is when big alloys are put on the arches tend to need modifying too.
Rust can sometimes be found on the bottom of the doors and behind the front lights. On mine its started a little bit where the fuel cap is, but isn't very major.
On the whole I would recommend it as a starter car because of low insurance, fuel consumption, general good reliability.
If thinking of buying one be a bit careful because some can be neglected or abused.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th November, 2003
20th Mar 2008, 13:33
They are not fast by any means but they are quick for what they are, these old novas weigh less than a smart car, and I wouldn't even class the smart car as a proper car. More like a buggy, A 2 seater 900kg buggy, where as the nova is a 830kg 4 seater. long live the nova.