1992 Vauxhall Cavalier LX 1.7 turbo diesel (Isuzu)

Summary:

Best car I've ever had

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I bought a 10-year old 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier TD with 130,000 miles on the clock, second-hand from a dealer. It drove like a dream on a test drive so I snapped it up. I had it for 7 years and in all that time it never let me down, even once. All I ever paid out for was oil, filters, brake pads, shoes etc, i.e minor items. It sailed through MOTs.

The Isuzu diesel engine was a diamond. Not as much power as a petrol one, but still enough to tow a small 13ft caravan no problem.

Solo, it regularly turned out 50 MPG.

I sold it with 160,000+ on the clock and not even an oil leak from that Isuzu engine!

One of the best cars I've ever owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2017

1992 Vauxhall Cavalier GLSI 1.6

Faults:

Water pump shed an impeller blade.

Front shock absorbers shot.

Entire exhaust system replaced due to corrosion.

Fuel filler pipe leaked.

Both rear wheel bearings rumbling.

Drive shaft gaiters both split.

Gearbox seized up.

Clutch went.

Rust around the wheel arches.

Self adjusters on rear brake shoes seized.

General Comments:

Despite all the problems with the car, I can't praise the car enough.

When I received the car, it was in an immaculate condition.

It had been garaged and had no rust anywhere.

The owner had it serviced regularly.

All I have done to the car is give it the scheduled oil, fuel and air filter changes. Changed the brake fluid and sparks. The brake pads and shoes have also been changed.

I use the car every day, starts on the button and I regularly red line it.

Considering the way I have driven the car, I'm really impressed that it still runs the way it does.

The best aspect of the Cavalier in my opinion is the ease in which repairs can be carried. This is a really easy car to work on. If you own one, take care of it and it will take care of you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2008

20th Jun 2008, 11:22

Just passed 120k and no problems.

1992 Vauxhall Cavalier SRi 2.0

Summary:

An excellent car, much underrated

Faults:

Lambda senser failed at 13200 miles.

Red paint fading.

Sunroof winding system failed at 12800 miles.

Rear right suspension spring broke at 13500 miles.

Radiator hose blew after 1hr at 120mph (France)

New front disks after high speed stop (heat distortion)

General Comments:

I have spent less on this car's running costs, in 66000 miles that I have owned it, than any other cars for the same mileage by less than a quarter.

It's quick, comfortable and, for it's cc, economic.

I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car.

Although the shape is now a bit dated and newer cars have more gizmo,s in them I would recommend this type of car to anyone.

The cam bent must be changed every 40,000 miles or you will blow the engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2007

8th May 2008, 18:11

I now know why the hose blew, the head gasket had blown between 3 and 4 cylinders and had worked its way round to the waterways.

I have just rebuilt the head. It had been skimmed before and after another skim to get rid of the hollow spot the head was below minimum thickness so a.5mm shim was fitted under the new head gasket. This has reduced the compression fractionally but not so as you'd notice.

The total rebuild cost including new torque wrench, valve spring compressor, torque bits for the head bolts, gaskets, shims, head bolts, valves and the skimming came to just under £200. I did the job myself, with the help of a Haynes manual.

So I'm back on the road again. The mileage is now 154000 so about half way there!!!.

It is still a pocket rocket on a budget and I still enjoy driving it.

14th Apr 2009, 18:14

It's gone to the great Vauxhall graveyard. This was the best car I've ever owned so far. It was cheaper to run than any other car, better fuel economy than most. much much quicker than most. The old girl failed its MOT on rust on the shock housings and sills, needed new shocks, rear wheel bearings, radiator and steering rack. The cost was going to be too much this time and all in one go. BUT the engine lives on in a rally car and is still out performing a lot of race tuned engines.

I miss the acceleration and the braking. I miss the low running costs. I'm sorry to see this fine machine come to it's end. I paid £400 for it and drove almost 90,000 miles with repair bill for the 5 years, including tyres, at just over £900.

A truly great car.