1992 Vauxhall Calibra SE review from UK and Ireland

Nothing really has gone wrong. I had a fuel line that was corroded with age start to weep, but I replaced with no hassle.

I have done a lot of preventative maintenance to be honest, cheaper in the long run, new cam belt fan belt water pump and anti freeze, full service, gear box oil etc...

Did a set of front pads and discs, rear pads, discs, and handbrake shoes too.

All filters replaced and put new front pipe, cat and oxygen sensor on too while I was at it, as the flange coupling was looking a bit worse for wear.

Because I get all parts at trade prices, only cost me 220 quid for all the parts and oil etc..

All the above are wear parts, so I thought I'd replace it all and basically start with a fresh running car.

Car does not go like a rocket, but then you don't buy an 8 valve antique engine like this for performance.

The engine and running gear are sweet. The car had full service history when I picked it up, and the way it drives shows it has been looked after.

The beauty with the 8 valve engine is it's pretty much bomb proof, they have used it for many many years, and with hardly any sensors to cock it up, there is very little to go wrong with them to be honest.

The oils have been changed on time every time, so no horrible tappet noises, gearbox remains slick and has no slack at all.

Everything on this particular cars still works, (windows mirrors etc...)

The main plus point is when it comes to parts, with many being sourced from the Cavalier. That coupled with the fact it only has the 8 valve engine makes everything pretty much cheap to fix or replace.

The interior has worn very well considering, all is still in place with no annoying rattles. The only thing I can say on my car is that the drivers seat bolster has worn slightly, with a hole about half an inch in diameter, right on the point where you rub seat getting in and out of car.

The fuel consumption is pretty good for a car of this size with a small engine. I get mid 30's round town, and up to high 40's on a run.

Because this car has been looked after, there hasn't really been any bodywork issues with it either; wheel arches are all good, car hasn't had any paint, and after going round every panel I can find only on tiny scab just starting to form on the very bottom of the drivers door.

I have heard a few bad reviews on this car, but if you buy them right, they are quite a sturdy reliable motor.

Some of the original journalists reviews are correct in saying the rear visibility isn't perfect, but then it's just something you get used to as you drive the car.

They also complained about the understeer you get from them, but if you drive your car normally, then you don't get any. It's only noticeable when you push the car.

One main important thing to look out for when buying one of these, it must be stressed, is to pull the sound proofing away from the bulkhead where the steering rack is held; have a really good inspection, as they are known for cracking, and it's a right pain in the butt to repair. Trust me, you don't really want to get stuck with that job.

When looking for the one I have now, I saw about 3 out of 15 cars I looked at all with cracked bulkheads.

Although this should be an MOT failure as far as I can tell... one of these had slipped through and passed, and was up for sale with a brand new 12 months certificate!

Overall, it's a Cavalier in a different body, a car they made for many years, and is mechanically basic.

If you want a reliable run around that looks different from the norm, have a good hunt round, look PROPERLY at each car, and buy one.

Mine is in Caribbean Blue I think they call it, and stands out everywhere I go; looks good on the car.