I am currently running a 1992 Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 litre GLS Hatchback, which I bought as a temporary runabout almost 3 years ago, following a rear end shunt which wrote off my previous car
I bought this Cavalier at British Car Auctions for the princley sum of £750, and it has proved to be absolutely wonderfull value for money. So much so, that I have hung onto it far beyond the time I intended.
The basic body condition is still above average, and the interior has stood up well to the test of time, with NO damage to any seats or interior trim.
The car had 130,000 miles on the clock when I bought it, and is now up to 168,000 miles clocked up. During the time I have owned this Cavalier, the only major problems I have encountered are one front drive shaft,and a constant velocity joint.
Apart from normal maintainence, it has cost me very little in repairs, and still returns over 30 MPG with very little oil used between oil changes.
I am a self employed refrigeration engineer, and use the car almost like a van, and it has stood up to the job better than many cars which Jeremy Clarkeson and Co on Top Gear would consider "Cool" Bearing in mind that the car is now over 10 years old, the only complaints I have with the car in general are: (a) it is underpowered for a 2.0 litre car (only 113BHP) (b) Handling could be better (but carefull selection of tyres has reduced this somewhat) (c) The electric mirror, and drivers window, also electric has never worked. Due to a bad design, the harness between the door pillar and the door has failed.
It has just passed its 3rd M.O.T test in my ownership with no problems at all, but I will reluctantly be replacing it after Christmas. I am hoping that the replacement car will give me such good,almost troublefree,service.
I have owned several Vauxhall cars since I began driving, and have always found them reliable, despite their unfounded reputation for rust, which they earned with the 1957 Victor F, and Cresta PA range of cars, and have never seemed to shake off.
Vauxhall cars may not be everyones cup of tea, but I would certainly buy another following my experience with this Cheap old Cavalier.
I was in two minds about writing this opinion, because of the age of the car, but thought my old workhorse deserved some PRAISE.
Incidently, ALL interior controls still work perfectly, other than the door I have already mentioned.
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I like reading other peoples comments on their cars, I was handed down my father in laws 2.0L GLS a few years ago which was a 96 plate and he had it from new. Boy did that thing fly !! I had 130 out of it and still going strong. Embarrassed many a much more expensive car in that on. (I reckon I must have had a good one as it certainly was not underpowered - my other car is a jag V12 XJS !) Never let me down and always returned at least 40 to the gallon too. Its still going strong, I flogged it to my mate !
Nov 26th, 2002
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