1990 Vauxhall Nova SR 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Rusty rear arches, cam belt snapped just after I bought the car second hand 90,000 miles, the cam belt had just been replaced but was not a Vauxhall original, this did £450 of damage in engine smashing exhaust valves. I only swear by Vauxhall original even if it does cost more. Thermostat needed changing at 100,000 miles as it always seemed to be running with the choke on. At 104,000 miles the rear drums where completly nackered and it needed a new handbrake cable along with new rear springs and shocks.

General Comments:

This is my second Nova and I have had the car about a year now and I hammered it every day. It has 105,000 miles on the clock and doesn't use any oil. I have just put 14 x 185, 5 spoke alloys on it and it looks smart. I have had 115 out of it and has no extra mods on it. My next mod to it will be the air filter and full exhaust system. Great car and there is loads of mods available for it. My next car will most likely be a 1.6 GSi.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 1998

17th Mar 2005, 15:43

Yea, but no, but yea... but no, but..yea, but it's a Metro?!?

Nobody wants a Metro... and as for taking out 625bhp Impreza's there ain't many if any of those about anyway.

I though Metro's were for old boys with cloth caps?

29th Oct 2006, 06:42

Yeah I would not entertain a Metro, give me a Nova any day! Vauxhall put proper suspension in that, it ain't full of fluid that leaks. All Vauxhall parts are nearly interchangeble between the cars unlike your Rovers.

19th Aug 2008, 04:30

A Nova SR is far far better than a Metro GTI. Metro GTI's are horrible. As for leaving a Scooby behind, nearly spat my cup of tea out whilst reading... not laughed so much in a long time!! No Metro, even a 6R4 would leave a 300+ Scoob, let alone a 600+ one... which by the way takes an incredible amount of work to get it to that BHP. Supra's and Skylines are capable of 600+ easier. Picture a Metro GTI flying past an modded R34 Skyline!!

1990 Vauxhall Nova Merit 1.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Battery at 145,000 miles.

Clutch cable replaced at 150,000 miles, had gone stiff.

Number plate bulb blows about once a month.

Panel light bulbs.

Panel which bolts onto the front panel totally rotten, replaced at 185,000 miles.

Handbrake cable snapped on MOT.

Centre section of exhaust replaced, rest of system original.

** Nothing Major Has Ever Gone Wrong With This Car **

General Comments:

This has been the best car I have ever owned, I bought it in December 1996, 125,000 Miles on the clock but with a full dealer service history, paintwork is in very good shape still, the car has now done 186,000 miles.

As I am a mechanic I do all my own servicing and repair work.

It still drives like new and has similar performance to a Peugeot 205 1.6 GTI.

No matter how easy or hard I drive the car it returns a steady 55 mpg.

Engine still starts first time, runs as smooth as a nut and does not burn a drop of oil.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 1998

1990 Vauxhall Nova Merit from UK and Ireland

Faults:

I bought this wee car at an auction with 52,000 gen miles with fsh. in mint cond. So far the only thing is the most minor of niggles which is the clock light. Not bad really for an eight year old car.

General Comments:

As I said, I bought this car at an auction, some people say that it is very risky but if you and a mechanic mate get a good look at it before the bidding starts you can save a packet, ie my car, if bought in a showroom, it would have cost me between two and two and a half thousand, at the auction it cost me Fifteen hundred!! Not bad for a car in mint condition and very cheap on the insurance, especially for the first time driver..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 1998

30th Nov 2003, 14:12

I have got a modded nova in blue and it looks wicked nova are minted I am 37 and still haven't grown out of street racing. my nova is rapid because it has got a 2.0 engine conversion and I have ordered a superchip! RAPID!!!

1990 Vauxhall Nova SR 1.4 carb petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Due to a hefty stereo installation it doesn't have much spare electrical power, only partially rectified by a newer, fatter battery. Possibly an alternator fault, but it wasn't meant to take that drain to be fair. Also usual rust on wheel arches (only a small amount) and an intermittent fault on the intermittent wiper setting, and I haven't fixed the washer system yet.

General Comments:

Considering how I beat S**t out of it on a daily basis it has held up incredibly well. As it is a cheap car it isn't worth the extortionate price "approved" dealers charge for any services they provide, go to a local garage and save cash.

Put 185 tyres on it and experience a new dimension in cornering. (N.B. carry a spatula to remove passengers from the side of the car after extreme corners)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 1998

1990 Vauxhall Nova td 1.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Wiring in alternator, nothing else really.

General Comments:

Extremely fast and economical, can match the GTE off the mark til around 60. Great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 1998

26th Oct 2001, 17:13

This car can match a 1.6 GSi for pace throughout, guaranteed. After removal of the catalyst this car is capable of speeds of 130mph whilst still maintaining the surprising power of this Isuzu TD engine, very impressive. Look out for the 5 door, very rare. I was lucky to find one.

1990 Vauxhall Nova SR 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Automatic choke a bit dodgy when very cold, at low revs. Few small oil leaks and minor problems, e.g. jammed seat belt etc.

General Comments:

SR interior is excellent, and very sporty. Performance off the mark is impressive to say the least. Top end not too bad either. Lots of fun to drive, and very involving!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 1998