1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Corroded fuel pipes7.3× usual
  Vauxhall Cavalier

  8.8% All 1995 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Cavalier

  10.5% All 1995 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 4.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Cavalier

  11.1% All 1995 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.7% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  31% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?