1993 Chevrolet Cavalier from North America - Comments

Radiator Hose busted 72000 miles

Brakes had to be replaced 80000 miles

Radiator had to be replaced. approx 85000 miles.

Alternator replaced 2 times

Ball joints replaced around 130000 miles

List of things still to be done:

Tie Rods

Belt Tensioner

Something to do with CV's

Radiator is rusting

Front windshield leaks to driver side floor.

Trunk Leaks and water pools in the spare tire compartment.

Another leak (location yet to be determined) causes the rear passenger floor board to fill with water.

Headliner is falling rapidly.

Something to do with the head gasket.

I suppose that overall it has been a decent car. I don't understand why there are so many problems with the car at the moment. I don't drive far to work or go out cruising the town. I have regular maintenance done. I have never had a wreck in it, although I don't know about before I owned it.

The car is very comfortable unless you have to sit in the back seat.

Might be a good car if you can do auto work yourself.

130,000 miles and you can't figure out why you need to replace a few things?

I have a 1993 cavalier, and I have the same problems with water leaks...driver's side floor and rear right floor. It is not consistent however, it leaks in a light storm, but will not leak in a heavy storm. Strange.

I have a 1993 Cavalier (in Pennsylvania - US)

The following problems:

1. Rain water (melting snow too) leaking from front driver's side into the rear floorboard - ruined carpet and padding; had to remove - driving around with bare floors - like riding in a tin can.

2. Head gasket leaks coolant and has been replaced twice.

3. Heating/cooling system problems: AC freon leaks out; defroster works only on passenger side; AC light is on when set to defrost; heat will not go to feet; when you have any setting for heat, or defroster (AC doesn't work anyway), it all blasts out the middle vent and fries you - very hot!

4. Stock stereo has bad reception

Positive:

1. I do like to drive it - handles well.

2. Good gas economy

3. Front wheel drive - goes good in snow

4. I would buy another cavalier, but new so that warranties will follow me.

I would like to know if anyone knows how to stop the leaks that cause the floors to get wet.

Thanks

Jim.

I have a suggestion for your leaks... Take a high pressure washer and look for leaks around doors and trunks. Don't spray too close to rust or you will start to peel off the paint as well. Is there any cracks on the seals of your doors, this will let some water in. If there is any water at the front floors check the firewall. Definitely if you have something aftermarket installed and you did not put rubber grommets to seal the holes up. Remember if water comes in, after some time it has no where to go until the floor rusts and makes a hole. Is there holes in the mud guards of the wheel well covers? Most of the time if the water is in the back floor it is the rear door leaking. Use soap around the door seal, high pressure washer, and look for bubbles, this is always a two adult job. These are things I had to do to girlfriends Pontiac Tempest with exact same problems. It ended up that it was leaking at the rear door by the door catch. The metal was rusted completely away where the lip of the seal went on! Lift the carpet in the trunk to see if there is any signs of water there, this will eliminate trunk seal, just suggestions, not promises.

Jay.