1991 Vauxhall Nova GSi 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An old problematic car

Faults:

Where to start!

The head gasket went.

Had to replace the entire exhaust system.

Central locking has a mind of its own.

Speedo doesn’t work.

Seriously bad rust problems. Had to weld the sill, the floor, the boot, the engine bay, nearly every arch on the car.

Bad suspension problems, had to replace top mounts, springs, all components under top mount. Had to put two new steering racks on it, new lower arm ball joint.

Hand brake and clutch cable snapped.

Had to put new brake lines on it.

New rear bearings.

General Comments:

Buying this car was probably the stupidest decision I have ever made!

All in all the car was OK. It was fast enough to give Saxo's a run for there money and the handling was good and parts are generally cheap (as long as you can fit them yourself). However the problems listed above totally soured the experience. Never again will I buy a Nova.

Anyone who is thinking of buying one, if you are under 21 be prepared to pay a pretty sum of money to keep the car on the road as insurance is not cheap. Before you buy one give it a very good going over and check everything for rust, Nova's rust everywhere.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th June, 2006

16th Feb 2007, 05:28

They r sheds or your one is soz mate.

1991 Vauxhall Nova SR 1.6 injection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I love it, wouldn't change it for the world

Faults:

The reverse gear on the gearbox has gone (blown) due to bad driving.

Some minor body work needs doing - wheel arches - as usual on Novas!!

Head gasket blew at 88,000 miles.

General Comments:

Minter of a car, beautiful to drive, pulls really well, really comfy, couldn't fault the car in general, handles really well.

Put it this way, I would never sell the car at all, unless I really needed to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th January, 2006

1991 Vauxhall Nova Merit 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Comfortable and an ideal first car

Faults:

Clutch went cost me £110.

Needed four new tyres.

Just changed all four plugs it was miss fireing, the air filter was a bit dirty, cleaned it out and its fine.

Front headlamp had corroded cost me £54.

Needed welding behind front bumper cost £60.

Had new rear wheel cylinder replaced.

The front left handside break was sticking consequently the car pulled slightly to the left.

Handbreak comes on every so often.

General Comments:

This car is economical.

Parts are cheap and can be found at most scrap yards.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2005

1991 Vauxhall Nova Merit 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fun ideal learner car

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

Good fuel economy.

Keeps up well with most bigger engined cars on the road.

Great acceleration for a little car and compared to mates cars.

Good handling.

Fun car to drive.

Will just about top the ton down hill with a light wind behind it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2004

1991 Vauxhall Nova merit 1.2i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

VERY GOOD

Faults:

It had a new clutch not long ago costing £110.

The rear wheel arches are slightly corroded.

Fauld mot just, needed welding behind the front bumper.

Head lamp had corroded due to a split seal.

General Comments:

The car takes a while to warm up, but once its warm it drives great.

Te heater is fantastic.

Does not like too many people in it holds back a lot.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th November, 2004

1991 Vauxhall Nova L 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, comfortable and reliable

Faults:

Track rod end.

Front disk brake binding on.

Leaking water hose.

Hole in exhaust pipe.

Leaking fuel line.

Headlamp switch.

Reverse lamp switch.

Rusted fuel tank.

Leaking water pump.

General Comments:

The car was cheap, but needed quite a lot of work doing just after I bought it.

I took it to a cheap (but slightly dodgy) garage, where I think they created more problems than they solved. Such as leaking water pump (after changing timing belt), binding disk brake after changing pads for MOT.

The car always starts fine.

Economic fuel use.

Very comfortable all day driving.

I've done 14,000 miles in the last year and it only broke down once after the water pump leaked.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2004