1991 Vauxhall Nova GSi 1.6 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A Mini Cooper on steroids
Faults:
Heater fan bearing wore out.
RH headlight silvering 'browned out'.
Water pump replaced when bought as it was leaking - did timing belt and thermostat at same time.
Engine mounts replaced - old ones were getting too soft - however new ones are actually no better! Too much engine wobble.
New brake pads needed.
Replaced fuel pump - one terminal had cracked off.
Oil pressure guage and water temp guage have never worked. The pointer on th oil guage has actually separated from its pivot!
General Comments:
Very nippy & willing.
Definitely not neck snapping acceleration, but if you keep it above 400 rpm it does go well - and sits happily on the motorway at legal speeds.
Goes round corners well and predictable on the limit! Only found out once!
Comfortable for long distances and much quieter than most GTi Golfs I've been in.
Lack of power steering makes parking a bit heavy weather.
Well appointed, comfy seats, well put together.
Don't see many of them around.
Would love to solve the spongy engine mount problem.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 4th March, 2004
26th May 2007, 08:27
To the original reviewer, I know this was 2004 but if your reading this what sort of power did you result in with the 272 shaft, manifold, filter ect? Nova's are OK, not a common sight now, nice when you see a tidy one.