1990 Vauxhall Cavalier CD from UK and Ireland - Comments

Clutch cable failed at 96700 miles (the only time the old girl's left me stranded)

New clutch fitted at 101534 miles.

Like my previous two Vauxhalls ('86 Astra & '88 Cav mk2), seems to have a appetite for CV joint gaiters.

Anti-roll bar link replaced at 121200 (near-side). Has recently broken AGAIN (I blame traffic calming!)

The following were replaced at 129209 miles:

Front Shocks

Near side front Suspension Arm

Most Brake pipes

Cam cover gasket (still leaks)

The following were replaced at 125000 miles:

Coolant Pump

Power steering drive belt

2 Heater hoses

Bypass hose.

Other on-going problems:

Split CV joint gaiter and CV joint failed as a result.

Sun roof has leaked periodically from day one - needs re-sealing annually.

Rear arches rusting, otherwise in excellent condition for it's age.

Clutch Cable action feels stiff in hot weather to the point where it's difficult to drive smoothly (feels fine in cool conditions) Improves slightly if the end of the cable (under the bonnet) is lubricated every 1000 miles or so. Has any one else suffered this problem?

A few minor oil leaks (probably to be expected on a car of this age).

Another problem that I wonder if any one else suffers from: When the weather is warm (say above 12 degrees) it starts fine from cold, but when the engine is warm it starts, but won't idle, ie it stalls when you dip the clutch next time you stop. However, it clears after a minute or so and runs perfectly for the rest of the journey.

I had always fancied a mk3 Cavalier, so when my old faithful Mk2 1.6 GL was written off there was only one choice.

I paid £2500 for it in 1998 when forecourts were asking £3500, so it was a bargain from the start. I wasn't specifically looking for a CD so to end up with one was a bonus. It came with service history for all, but it's first 3 years - one of the previous owners had cared for it meticulously, which I believe is still paying off now.

My first impressions were that the Mk3 was a real immprovement over the old Cav - all the things which could have been improved had been (sadly, the same can't be said for the Vectra, according to comments on this site.)

All Vauxhalls seem to suffer unfairly at the hands of the motoring press, particularly for ride and handling. The Cav may not be class leading, but anyone who rides in my car comments on how comfortable it is. Handling and road-holding wise, it has plenty of grip in all conditions, and handles safely and predictably - just what you need for transporting a young family.

Performance is superb. It pulls as well now as when I first drove it, and although I don't make a habit of it, I'm quite happy to red line it. Lesser motors of the same age would probably blow!

Fuel economy is excellent for a 2 litre. I get about 25 mpg around town and 40+mpg on a run, even laden with roof box & trailer for camping holidays.

Equipment is excellent (CD spec helps, of course.) The interior has nice touches, such as wood trim on the doors, illuminated vanity mirrors on both sides, electric windows all round.

It has the optional Anti-lock Brakes. The only things it lacks compared to newer cars is air bag, side impact beams and Sat-Nav (what's wrong with a map?!)

Reliability wise, I have had to call for assistance once in over 5 years / over 40000 miles, when the clutch cable broke. Impressive, by any standards!

Although I constantly seem to be paying for repairs recently, it is, at the end of the day, an old car with high mileage. However, it does everything I ask of it, and it is cheaper (up to a point) to persevere with a car I know inside out than to buy another and start the process again.

My advice to anyone wanting a cheap, reliable family saloon would be "Go for a Cav."

Update: All good things must come to an end, as the saying goes. With a total of just over 137,500 miles on the clock, the Cavalier has been traded in. The winter has taken it's toll on the bodywork, not to mention various other jobs to be attended to before the "ticket" runs out in two months time. It would be an ideal project for a competent home mechanic, as there are no known major faults - just umpteen smaller ones. The dealer gave me £295 against my new car, which I thought was great for a 13 year old car with fairly high mileage and not much MOT. It has been a fantastic car - it owes me nothing. If anyone happens to purchase or come across H352 CGS in the future I'd love to know how it's getting on - howard.sloan@ntlworld.com.

So to it's replacement. A Ford Mondeo 2.0 LX Estate, 98S, purchased for £3295. I did consider a Vectra, but, despite my happy 12 years of Vauxhall ownership, there is no doubt in my mind that the Mondeo is the better car, and I think comments on both cars on this site bear this out. However, I don't think the Vectra is as bad as it's made out by certain sections of the motoring press. While I was deciding what to get, I spoke to four Vectra owners who were perfectly satisfied with their cars.

I will report on the Mondeo in due course. I've only had it four days, so there's not much to say yet!

Great Review. Yes I have had the clutch problem on mine once. I was stuck in a traffic jam and was somewhat surprised when I went to push the clutch down and it was still on the floor. I managed to get over this by lifting the pedal with my foot. It was very hot about 30 degrees and only that once did that ever happen. I lubricated the clutch cable with oil and grease and have had no problems since.