1994 Chevrolet Cavalier RS Coupe review from North America

Have repaired the following:

Thermostat.

Oxygen sensor.

Usual tuneup items - spark plugs, wires, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, PCV valve.

Alternator.

Headlights (bulbs only).

Front speakers (blown).

The following problems still need to be fixed:

Head gasket is seeping.

EGR valve is either blocked or failing.

ABS motor has failed.

There's a blockage in the cooling system (maybe in the heater core).

I purchased this car on ebay for just over $600. Given that the seller didn't have any history on the car and the mileage was 252,000 kms I expected it to have some problems.

I found the stock headlights to be way too dim for driving in the country where there aren't any streetlights. I've since replaced them with GE NightHawk bulbs which have resulted in a drastic improvement in nighttime visibility.

The car has always started in even the coldest weather without any problems and has run fairly well given it's mileage and age. Like any car of this age, it has required some work, but I do most of it myself so the cost hasn't been too bad. I've paid about $300 so far for repairs. The head gasket is starting to go, but it isn't too bad (no coolant in the oil or vice versa yet). This is common problem with this car and motor combination. The gasket kit is about $100 if I do the repair myself. I was quoted $700 to $1100 to get it done by a mechanic depending on whether the head is cracked or not.

Given the price I paid and the condition of the body and interior - both of which are very good - I have been satisfied so far.

These cars are quite durable, get good mileage (about 500kms per tank) and cheap to repair if you're handy. New parts are relatively cheap and there's a huge supply of cheap parts at most wrecking yards. The car is quite mechanic friendly compared to some imports which makes it even better for the do-it-yourselfer.