1992 Vauxhall Cavalier L 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Wiper blades, radiator, ignition management module (cheaply replaced from breakers), a bit of rust around the arches, heat shield rusted around the bolts.

General Comments:

Apart from some minor repairs, it goes just as good from new, if sounding a bit more harsh. Capable of 120+ mph!! Flies on motorway. Not bad for a lowly 1.6 carb. Fuel consumption is about 32mpg which is the only disappointing thing really - but what do you expect from a car this age anyway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2000

1992 Vauxhall Cavalier GSi 2000 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Awesome performing luxury saloon with a mighty kick

Faults:

Exhaust started to rattle after 2 weeks, and a Scorpion exhaust system replaced it (£328).

Clutch replaced at 97000 miles (£100)

Cambelt replaced (£60).

Rear electric aerial doesn't work which is a common problem.

Power steering rack needed after 102000 miles (£180).

No major problems as yet.

Otherwise, money has just been spent on modifications, to which the GSi loves!

General Comments:

A few weeks after I bought it I replaced the alloy wheels with Gold Supertouring ones, they look awesome contrasting with the Westminster Blue body. A Scorpion exhaust makes the car really rasp and it turns heads from a distance. They look fantastic lowered and are really reliable and the performance is astonishing thanks to the superb 16v motor. The handling isn't too great but can be sorted easily and they have a full electric pack and comfortable interior for the full luxury ride.

A full Cavalier Turbo leather interior would really top this car off!

Buy buy buy! Look for a J or K reg model, and try and avoid 4x4 versions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2000

28th Mar 2001, 15:00

Why should you avoid the 4x4 models...???

5th Jun 2001, 04:41

Yes, why should you avoid the 4x4 models, they handle better than the front wheel drive versions.

23rd Jun 2001, 05:05

The GSi 4X4 is 1 second slower to 60, 8.5sec compared to 7.5sec for the 2WD. The transfer boxes blow for fun and the electronic 4 wheel drive system is a joke. The handling is the same, its only the drive out of the corner and acceleration in slippery conditions that merit the 4x4. Tyre wear is also higher and you have to replace them as a full set to ensure that you don't blow the transfer box too... that makes maintaining it more expensive. So... the 2WD GSi is lighter, cheaper to maintain, less complicated and quicker... enough said!

9th Aug 2001, 05:09

Watch out for leather seats, when it gets hot, black leather will burn your legs if you are wearing shorts! Having said that, leather is a great option and you can wipe the seats clean if anything is spilt! I wouldn't recommend spilling strawberry milkshake though, it smells really bad for weeks afterwards!

8th Sep 2001, 05:12

Enough said? I've owned both 4wd and 2wd models and the 4x4 was the much better car. It don't blow for fun, look after it and rotate the tyres and you'll never have any problem. I don't think you really know what you're talking about.

18th Oct 2004, 21:15

I had the same problem with mine only running in 2 wheel drive have you checked the fuse? that was the problem with mine.

After a while my transfer box blew very expensive to replace. ended up fitting a switch and bypassing the fuse so I had optional 2 or 4 wheel drive.

Sold the car and now hav a 2 wheel drive with a v6 conversion much quicker all round.

16th Jul 2005, 14:43

I hope someone can help with my query. I own a 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.7 Diesel. I took it through a car wash today, got the car washed and drove away. On arriving at my destination, discovered that the rear aeriel had snapped off, probably due to the large washers in the car wash. Does anyone know how easy it is to come across a new aeriel and fit it? And what sort of cost you would be looking at? The aeriel completely snapped and no original bit remains, which means my radio reception is now rather useless. Any help appreciated, thanks.