1996 Toyota Cavalier 2.4Z from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

ABS Speed sensors failed twice (on different wheels) at around 100,000 and again at 110,000Kms.

Drivers side power window motor failed on 3 different occasions throughout my life of the car - back driver power window just failed at 123,000Kms.

Failed Warranty of Fitness at 90,000Kms because of Front Windshield delamination - had to replace it - was told that this "air in the seal" of the windscreen is a common fault of Cavs.

Major Overheating problem at 120,000Kms, replaced thermostat, cleaned radiator, replaced hoses etc and it still runs hot, may have to replace water pump as well now.

Coil housings failed at 115,000Kms needed to be replaced.

A/C Fan motor gear broke at 95,000Kms making a/c only work on super high, had to replace gears for the fan.

Mysterious undiagnosable rattle in rear - possibly struts? Didn't want to pay to replace them and have it not be the problem as they still seemed to work fine.

Alternator failed at 122,500Kms - replaced with a second-hand one as they were expensive to source new.

Pop-open Gas tank flap won't open when you pull the switch by the driver's seat (failed at 110,000Kms)

Little cosmetic things on dashboard squeak.

Dealer Paint job flaked badly at 70,000Kms (got dealer to pay for proper respray).

That's about all I think...??? (as if it weren't enough!!)

I put this in the Toyota section (i know it's a Chevy Cav) but I thought that it was possible that the Toyota assembly in Japan or the Right-hand drive batches may have different reliability in Aus/NZ??

This was a 1 owner import from Japan to NZ. I am the 2nd owner and have had the car since 59,000Kms.

I have had it about 5.5 years. Generally speaking it has been a somewhat reliable car (up and until now) and hasn't cost too much early on. I liked its drivability, pickup and safety features. It felt like a good American car with good pickup and gas mileage (to me an American in NZ who found other cars in NZ as smaller and under-powered.)

I thought it was good value for the money, BUT just recently all the people who had been telling me this car was a lemon that I had been denying for 4.5yrs became right. So many things started to go wrong in the past year and certain things have begun to repeat (like the ABS speed sensors failing and the @##@!ing power windows which are pricey to replace).

I have been maintaining this car well with regular services and the like and have been told by a cavalier expert repairer that my car is in better condition for its age than most and that what I am experiencing with this landfall of problems all at the same time after ~110,000Kms is what other cav owners normally experience sooner.

On a positive note, the interior seats have worn little and the car seems newish on the inside.

I'd like to sell or trade it in, but know I won't get much now as they have such a bad name.

I don't know how other years of this car are, but even though there are many things performance-wise and engine wise how the car has run that I like, all these little things have added up to annoy the heck out of me and I couldn't possibly own another one.

I've spent ~$2,000 NZ on fixing this car in the last year and don't want to put another dime in it despite the fact that it **looks like** it should have several more years in it.

Thanks for your comments. You just convinced me not too buy one. was looking at a very cheap 1997 model... now I know why it is so cheap. cheers, Daniel.

I was planning to buy Cavalier 1997 good condition 50000km for $2600. But sounds like I better not buy. Anyone gives me good comment please? Today someone told me that if I want to replace the front window? it's gonna cost me $1800. gosh...

What should I do?

I also was about to buy one of these good looking cars, but after several mechanics said..Don't!!! I decided to err on the side of caution.. am told VERY expensive to work on.. parts hugely expensive.. bad body roll.. real shame as such a cool looking car : (

I've had nothing but good results with these cars, but I have only owned the Chevy version. The main problem seems to be the water pump, but a few have had problems with spun rod bearings (#3 rod to be exact). This issue seems to be the worst on '97/98 model years. I've owned a '97 Z24 (2.4Z) and a '02 Z24 (2.4Z) with very few issues.

For a daily driver, its hard to beat the price of a cavalier. I can understand the cost of parts though, since most of it is made in the US or Canada. The only Toyota-made parts are the side mirrors, I believe.

I've owned a 1998 model for nearly 2 years now, and I have had no problems, whatever I put it through.

I travel over 100km a day, and the only expensive thing I have had to replace is the window motor on the passengers side, which is a common problem in these cars.

I just brought one 1996 2.4Z 120000kms, window not working, looks great, seems like CV joint needs repairing, it was cheap compared to the look and feel, but now I am worried!!! If it works well for a year I am happy with it though; willing to spend another thousand dollars on it. It makes me feel good for a small price.

Hi...I have had mine for about 4 years now and still goin strong I think persnly its how you look after them! I mean every car does have its bad points, but hey its all about owing a car right? Things are not made for a life time with a bit of Lovin care!

~~~Good Luck~~~~

Hi.

I bought mine of 1997, have used it for less than a year.

I have had many problems than ever, water pump, overheating, and now it is electrical problem. I cannot start the car,

have been told that the car has lost its memory. Up to this moment the car is very beautiful looking, but not helpful than milking money. Can one expert on the cavaliers advise me what

spares in Toyota models can be used in this kind of a car.

Hi.

I purchased a brand new 2000 Toyota Cavalier 3 weeks ago. 12,000kms.

I have problems with overheating and fan noise when I start the car.

I thought finally a real 'car' I could only just afford to finance. Gutted.

More problems to follow no doubt.