1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Cambelt roller snapped. Clutch wore out. Otherwise, car has run SUPERBLY.

A FANTASTIC car to drive, rare as anything. Nobody seems to know precisely what it is until they read the badge on the back! Interior full of surprises like 6-speed gearbox. They tend to want lots of caring attention, though. HIGHLY recommended. I honestly don't know what I could possibly buy next!

I owned a cavalier Turbo for 2 years and it is easily the most under-rated care available today. It has blistering performance, looks discreet but beautiful looks.

The King of Cars, and easily answers that sad ploy of Ford with its ridiculous Cosworth.

Up The Vauxhall!

I still have my 1995 Cavalier Turbo, after intending to keep it for a short while only. I have done a lot of miles in it, and changed the cam belt pulley (cracked but still functional) during a routine cam belt service. Top adjustable replacement Koni shock absorbers were fitted at 120,000 miles, making the car better than ever.

I use Mobil1 Motorsport oil, and recommend use of a good synthetic. The engine feels definitely smoother...

Despite being a very quick car, it is surprisingly manageable and responsive around town. It has no turbo or 4x4 badges, and I can now park it in places I dare not leave any other car of similar performance. Maintenance costs have been very reasonable. I have heard that the gearbox/4x4 does not tolerate sustained abuse, and I change the transfer box oil every 40K miles.

This special oil appears to be semi or fully synthetic ATF, and is available from Vauxhall dealers for about 9 pounds plus fitting.

Fantastic car. Wolf in sheep's clothing.

I've also taken off the Turbo Badge on my 1994 Cavalier Turbo. It's got 118,000 miles on the clock and is still pulling strong. Just having the turbo reconditioned, showing a small sign of smoke after sitting in traffic for a long time. Considering the turbo has never been touched since it was new that's not bad. It still blows away my friend's Cosworth.

Fords ridiculous Cosworth?

A car that dominated the rally world for years?

In case people might not realise it, the Ford Cosworth was really named Cosworth because of their involvement with the development of the turbo engine on the original Sierra RS500. Unfortunately for these Ford owners, Cosworth also designed the head on the Vauxhall 16v engine which is found in the GSi and 4x4Turbo. It really makes no difference to say "I've got a Cosworth" because some Vauxhall performance drivers can also brag about it! And for further info, in recent years its been Lancia that totally dominated the World Rally Championship with the Delta and in case no one noticed...wasn't the BTCC dominated for quite some time by the Cavalier GSi???

Doh!

Who cares about rallies and history etc. The point being made by all these lovely Cav Turbo owners is that the Cosworth "was the car of the day", but the relatively "unknown" Cav was lurkin in the showroom and capable of kicking the COSY'S ass.

I'm now on my second Cavalier Turbo that I bought late 2001 after scouring the planet. 43,000 miles, not a notch on it. Wicked car, I just will be sad to see the day when the last one on the road waves goodbye. By the looks of my current vehicle, it will be mine 8)

Amazing Car - and Cosworths are just a memory in my rear mirror...

I have had my cavalier 4x4 turbo for 6 month now and absolutely love it, it gives me a buzz every time I put my foot down and feel the 285lbs of torque. Although it needs some love and attention that is expected from a 10 year old car, it doesn't bother me one bit, its worth every penny. These cars have amazing handling and so many extras. My cavalier has 103000 miles on the clock, but drives better than any other car I have driven. I wouldn't change it for any other car. I advise anyone interested in them to buy one, you won't regret it.

Had my Cavalier 4x4 turbo eight years now just mind blowing experience every time you drive it

I've had the cam belt replaced on service intervals with all components but the big surprise was having the head gasket and head skimmed water jacket to oil port being the problem twice now,

but still worth the cost for the time I've had this car its performance and running costs are superb

happy cava 4x4 turbo driver.

Being a owner of a calibra, I have realy enjoyed the power and handling and comfort. I now want to up grade to the mother of the 4 door turbos!!! a cavalier is number 1 on my list, but its finding 1! as rare as rocking hoarse s**t. I live in kent does any one no of any?? god save the turbo.

I do agree, the cavalier 4x4 turbo is a great car, I was just reading in total vauxhall about a 275bhp tuned turbo, they look great and go well too. I have a V6 but if I could find a clean turbo 4x4 I would whip it up! ASAP!

Lovely cars.

Iv, e had my cavalier turbo for 8yrs since 1996.i agree the performance is outstanding, but it comes at a price on mine I've had the turbo done at £400,exhaust at £220 numerous a.b.s sensors replaced at £80 a throw, remote central locking went up the swanny and its in the garage now and just been told the head is scrap and its gonna cost me £1195 to get a new one fitted with a new cam belt. the clutch is slipping and a new one is gonna cost me £400 with possibly some bottom end engine work needed to be done, in total I could be looking at £2000 in total, the car has never been abused and totally original, serviced when due and tyres changed all 4 together as this is very important otherwise you could blow the transfer box, due to uneven tyre wear. Its done 113,000 miles and I have loved all I have done in her, but its getting to the point where I don, t know if its worth spending big bucks on her as is the car worth the amount of money I'm spending on it, i will be sad if she goes, but is it more sense putting £2000 towards a newer car, I know they are rare and I try to convince myself one day they will be a collectors car and she, s worth keeping.

Had my Cav turbo five years - when running right it's a great drive. From 3 clutches, reconditioned turbo, heater matrix and a gearbox, everytime I've repaired it to sell it, it reminds me how good it is and I end up keeping it. To keep them on tap, you really need to treat them to long drives on the open road - too much in town driving does them no favours.

Removed the badges off the back, but have 4x4 and turbo badges on the front doors, also lowered with 17", cross drilled brake disks and ss exhaust.

Its rarity and its stealth are key factors. I've taken it to vauxhall dealers who aren't aware of them. I remember booking it in for a service and the vauxhall rep trying to tell me it must be a turbo diesel:)

Along the lines of rarity and stealth, for my next car I've got my eyes on an AMG C43 (can't afford a new M3) but will probably keep the Cav as my project car.