1989 Vauxhall Nova Merit 1.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A wolf in sheep's clothing
Faults:
The alternator was the only thing to go wrong with the car while I had it. Unfortunately, it cost me £180 for a new one!
General Comments:
Forget GTE's and SR's. The TD is the one you want.
The suspension needs up rating because it's like jelly, but the brakes are good (because diesels get bigger brakes).
A friend of mine had a 1.4 SR and I could run rings round it and still achieve 50 miles per gallon. On a quiet day you can return amazing fuel comsumption figures of 70 miles per gallon. My friend then purchased a GTE with all sorts of tuning bits. Fast road cams etc. He still couldn't leave me!
If you get one, make sure it's an older version (without a cat) or it won't be as punchy. Or seek out the rare SX for electric windows and a bit more refinement.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th September, 2001
30th Jan 2002, 11:51
I swear down, I've taken Saxo VTRs, Golf GTIs (all ages) and especially GTEs. I also have many, previously sceptical, witnesses to prove it!
Do us all a favour and hammer your diesels from new, they perform best that way. And that's a fact.
18th Mar 2003, 06:15
A turbo diesel beat a gte what planet are your from its like saying a cat would beat a cheater just admit it you got blown.
26th May 2003, 13:21
I believe you fella! I used to have one and simply take off the over boost valve and keep on turning. They just go and go and go and they are rapid, especially being a 1.5 TD.
I hope you still have it, since it is an awesome car.
2nd Dec 2003, 10:08
I own a nova-van and I gotta agree its stupidly quick! having had the diesel pump tweaked and the turbo boosted its good for 130mph+ now, even with 16inch speedlines!! GTE's really are no problem for me!!
23rd Dec 2003, 09:52
Oh dear Oh dear Oh dear take your diesel back to the farm yard you got it from, put the engine back in the tractor you took it off and please stop writing CRAP!!! please thank you!!!
7th Dec 2001, 13:32
Erm a TD leaving a GTE? You are dreaming.