1990 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi review from UK and Ireland
"Cheap, reliable and fast"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car cost me £720.
The fuel tank needed replacing, but I knew this when I bought it. It was only £50 and I fitted it myself.
I also fitted a new rocker gasket (about £4) which took 20 minutes.
The electric windows tend to get a bit slow over time.
Other than that this was the most reliable car I have ever owned.
The only time I needed to put oil in it was when I changed it.
General comments?
Service parts for this car are cheap, spark plugs, air filter, leads etc.
The car performs well (130bhp) but the handling can be a bit unpredictable. Mine was lowered 30mm by the previous owner, but I still managed to spin it 180 degrees once..
I bought a Seat Toledo after I owned this car and regret not keeping the Cavalier.
If you're buying one make sure you get a good one. If cared for properly seats shouldn't wear at high mileage. Look for service history and watch for ex-fleet cars. Too many have been boy-raced these days.
I've just bought a Cavalier 4x4 Turbo :)
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 8v Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 119000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 146000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen GTI |
| Date of Entry | 23rd January, 2003 |