Cavalier Turbo As A Daily, Am I Mad?
Discussion
So I've had my eye on a Focus ST for a while, however, I'm a bit underwhelmed of how boring and predictable cars have become recently. It's difficult to explain but I just feel like a lot of new cars these days are missing something. So even though the Focus remains at the top of my list, I still keep looking at Golf GTIs, the i30N and all the over hot hatches that compete with the ST. I was even thinking of waiting a year or so for prices to come down and look at getting an Alfa Gulia Veloce. They all feel like their missing that certain spark though and as a result I still browse the classifieds hoping that something will really ignite my interest.
Well I think I may have found it, I came across a Cavalier Turbo 4x4 and I immediately loved the idea of owning one. I never even knew they existed but I love how they look a little like a baby Lotus Carlton. Here's the catch though, it needs to be daily and it needs to be reliable. I know older cars are inevitably going to need looking after more than anything modern but as long as I can depend on it then that's all that matters.
I'm aware of the transfer issues but that doesn't seem to be an issue as long as you get one with the modified, updated transfer box that locked the transfer at a constant split, rather than constantly adjusting like the original. Are these still easy to find if I get an original car and decide to replace it for peace of mind? Rust I suppose would be the biggest problem (I don't have a garage) but I would get it undersealed immediately after buying it.
Are parts easily accessible or is it going to be a right PITA sourcing them when something needs replacing?
So am I mad or should I just accept that I need something newer, if I need it to be dependable?
Well I think I may have found it, I came across a Cavalier Turbo 4x4 and I immediately loved the idea of owning one. I never even knew they existed but I love how they look a little like a baby Lotus Carlton. Here's the catch though, it needs to be daily and it needs to be reliable. I know older cars are inevitably going to need looking after more than anything modern but as long as I can depend on it then that's all that matters.
I'm aware of the transfer issues but that doesn't seem to be an issue as long as you get one with the modified, updated transfer box that locked the transfer at a constant split, rather than constantly adjusting like the original. Are these still easy to find if I get an original car and decide to replace it for peace of mind? Rust I suppose would be the biggest problem (I don't have a garage) but I would get it undersealed immediately after buying it.
Are parts easily accessible or is it going to be a right PITA sourcing them when something needs replacing?
So am I mad or should I just accept that I need something newer, if I need it to be dependable?
Its going to depend what the daily usage looks like, if its 2hrs each way commuting in stop/start traffic then No, but if its a 30min run then itll probably be ok.
The only real thing I would be conscious of is that these are becoming rare and parts like you say
Just make sure you have recovery!
The only real thing I would be conscious of is that these are becoming rare and parts like you say
Just make sure you have recovery!
The novelty of a not that fast, not very good, creaky old repmobile will wear off pretty quickly. You'll also be fighting a continual battle against rust and age related atrophy for the pleasure of driving a Cavalier.
If you want a stupid daily I say go big or go home, buy yourself an XJS, or an 8 series BMW, or an E34 M5/540i. Loads of interesting options. Something that was actually good when it was new!
If you want a stupid daily I say go big or go home, buy yourself an XJS, or an 8 series BMW, or an E34 M5/540i. Loads of interesting options. Something that was actually good when it was new!
Edited by dme123 on Tuesday 13th November 12:29
They are good cars.
But they rust easily and the transfer boxes can be a pain.
As for the engine as long as its not been tuning to within an inch of its life it'll be fine. Servicing and getting bit for a LET is easy and they are a good engine as long as looked after.
As for interior of the car then parts and getting replacements can be difficult but can always be found in the right place and forums.
I say do it you only live once.
But they rust easily and the transfer boxes can be a pain.
As for the engine as long as its not been tuning to within an inch of its life it'll be fine. Servicing and getting bit for a LET is easy and they are a good engine as long as looked after.
As for interior of the car then parts and getting replacements can be difficult but can always be found in the right place and forums.
I say do it you only live once.
I'd check it was in reasonable visual nick and then make sure it is given a complete service and a check over by someone who knows what they are doing.
It will probably do you for as long as the novelty lasts (or the winter, whichever ends first
).
These things were used as dailys for millions of miles back in the day so it's not like they are incapable.
It will probably do you for as long as the novelty lasts (or the winter, whichever ends first
).These things were used as dailys for millions of miles back in the day so it's not like they are incapable.
I had a Calibra Turbo as a daily driver between 2002 and 2008. It had already done 140000 miles when I got it and was on 200000 miles by the time I sold it (which I regret in hindsight).
It was actually pretty practical, good on fuel 32-40mpg in normal use and very reliable especially as I exploited the AWD capability to use mine off road. The problem was that they were never very numerous and Vauxhall sales support was lacking, even back in the early 2000s. I was lucky enough to acquire an aftermarket stainless steel exhaust for mine for 80 quid off ebay, the standard item was about a grand from Vauxhall. What did it for me was failing components on the rear arms which were difficult enough to obtain in 2008. These parts were unique to only a few versions of the Calibra and discontinued by the manufacturer.
They certainly weren't slow or s
t though.
It was actually pretty practical, good on fuel 32-40mpg in normal use and very reliable especially as I exploited the AWD capability to use mine off road. The problem was that they were never very numerous and Vauxhall sales support was lacking, even back in the early 2000s. I was lucky enough to acquire an aftermarket stainless steel exhaust for mine for 80 quid off ebay, the standard item was about a grand from Vauxhall. What did it for me was failing components on the rear arms which were difficult enough to obtain in 2008. These parts were unique to only a few versions of the Calibra and discontinued by the manufacturer.
They certainly weren't slow or s
t though. The Cavalier Turbo is a great retro performance saloon. Very rare now and a tidy one is a good looking (subjective I know) and capable car. I owned a GSI2000 for more than 10 years which was a great car for a then 20 year old to run around in whilst everyone else was in Escort RS Turbos and Novas.
A friend of mine has had his ex-police Cavalier Turbo for 14 years, its running a big turbo amongst many other upgrades and produces in excess of 400bhp through the front wheels! (I keep imploring him to sort out the transfer box). Whilst it was once his daily driver it is now very much a weekend/project car. There are 2 big issues with treating these as daily drivers; rust, almost all of them are rotten (sills and chassis legs), there are many that come up for sale looking pristine but looks can be deceiving… check the MOT history at the very least but a proper look underneath is an absolute must. The other big issue is one you mentioned in your OP, availability of parts. The Cavalier was a hugely popular car in its day and some parts can still be sourced from the manufacturer but many items are no longer available and can only be sourced from the small number of Cavaliers remaining in scrap yards and online forums/clubs. As an example I was informed that the fuel level sender that I ordered for my GSI about 10 years ago was the very last one in Europe!
Ultimately it was rust that led me to sell my GSI a few years ago, it used it as my daily for a few months prior to selling just to get some enjoyment from it before I let it go and it was fine in that time, but there was always the worry that something would fail, but I suppose that’s the same with any old car.
I’d love a Cavalier Turbo, but you really have to go in with your eyes open and accept that you may not be able to get hold of parts quite as easily as you’d like.
They do also attract a lot of attention. Cavaliers were once everywhere and are now rarely seen so do attract attention....both positive and negative sadly.
A friend of mine has had his ex-police Cavalier Turbo for 14 years, its running a big turbo amongst many other upgrades and produces in excess of 400bhp through the front wheels! (I keep imploring him to sort out the transfer box). Whilst it was once his daily driver it is now very much a weekend/project car. There are 2 big issues with treating these as daily drivers; rust, almost all of them are rotten (sills and chassis legs), there are many that come up for sale looking pristine but looks can be deceiving… check the MOT history at the very least but a proper look underneath is an absolute must. The other big issue is one you mentioned in your OP, availability of parts. The Cavalier was a hugely popular car in its day and some parts can still be sourced from the manufacturer but many items are no longer available and can only be sourced from the small number of Cavaliers remaining in scrap yards and online forums/clubs. As an example I was informed that the fuel level sender that I ordered for my GSI about 10 years ago was the very last one in Europe!
Ultimately it was rust that led me to sell my GSI a few years ago, it used it as my daily for a few months prior to selling just to get some enjoyment from it before I let it go and it was fine in that time, but there was always the worry that something would fail, but I suppose that’s the same with any old car.
I’d love a Cavalier Turbo, but you really have to go in with your eyes open and accept that you may not be able to get hold of parts quite as easily as you’d like.
They do also attract a lot of attention. Cavaliers were once everywhere and are now rarely seen so do attract attention....both positive and negative sadly.
Thanks everyone,
Just to answer a few questions: my usual mileage is a 7 mile commute to work, 4 days a week, a few trips to the shops and usually once a month I do a 100 mile trip to Leicester and a 2 hour drive to the Peak District.
I'm aware of the awful reputation Motorhub has, so although it was their advert that educated me to this Cavalier's existence, I will not be getting one from them lol.
It seems the issues with rust is the biggest issue, just as I feared. Maybe I need to forget the idea until we get a garage and then look at getting one as a 2nd car. I suppose then I'd maybe have a Focus ST for my main car and a Cavalier Turbo for weekends, not a bad combination me thinks
Thanks again for all your input everyone!
Just to answer a few questions: my usual mileage is a 7 mile commute to work, 4 days a week, a few trips to the shops and usually once a month I do a 100 mile trip to Leicester and a 2 hour drive to the Peak District.
I'm aware of the awful reputation Motorhub has, so although it was their advert that educated me to this Cavalier's existence, I will not be getting one from them lol.
It seems the issues with rust is the biggest issue, just as I feared. Maybe I need to forget the idea until we get a garage and then look at getting one as a 2nd car. I suppose then I'd maybe have a Focus ST for my main car and a Cavalier Turbo for weekends, not a bad combination me thinks
Thanks again for all your input everyone!
GreatGranny said:
I had the misfortune of having to deal with the above they were a nightmare & an absolute bunch of cowboys but the car was a peach & 5 years on my clients very happy with his purchase.ZX10R NIN said:
GreatGranny said:
I had the misfortune of having to deal with the above they were a nightmare & an absolute bunch of cowboys but the car was a peach & 5 years on my clients very happy with his purchase.CP12 said:
I say go for it my dad had one when I was growing up and have fond memories of it!
Only thing I will say is I can only see cav turbs being sold by motorhub in keightley.
Avoid them like the plague.
I rest my case Only thing I will say is I can only see cav turbs being sold by motorhub in keightley.
Avoid them like the plague.
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