I have recently purchased an M-Reg (1995) Cavalier CDX 2.5 V6 (112000 miles) for £1995 and thought I'd share a few views for anyone thinking about getting one.

Firstly it really does go as quick as you'd think, it has 170 bhp and does 0-60 in 7.8 sec. Yes, it can be a bit noisy; and no, it does not cost an arm and a leg to run... well, so far(!).

This is an excellent alternative to an SRi Cavalier, no fancy graphics, or large badges... looks just like the 1.8L which suits me fine... and best of all, it's quite rare and would have been a very expensive company car (read: Directors rather than Sales Rep.), so it should have a low number of previous owners and have been looked after - it will show.

Being rare, if you fancy one, try it.. a MUST is Full Service History and the later (as in after 1994) the car the better the engine. The CDX has Air-con, ABS, Traction Control, twin Air Bags, and is comfortable to drive all day. I would recomend getting an AA/RAC/Garage inspection, as these 'could' be expensive to fix, if neglected. Mine has 116000 miles on it now, and is as good as new.

Fuel Economy: Yes is drinks fuel like an aircraft if you really buzz it on an A/B road, we're talking 15mpg for short (5 mile) trips and a heavy right foot. This is not a car to sit in a traffic jam with. On the Motorway - 30+ mpg is realistic, big open A roads, motorways etc are better if you're looking for economy with this one.

Driving it: A V6... yes it is quite loud inside (not annoying!) and it just goes and goes. It's comfortable to cruise in and feels safe when you push it on an A/B road. The gear ratios (3rd-4th-5th) are really close and it's does change nice and smoothly.. the power steering is good for a Vauxhall, and you can feel what's happening, bear in mind this is not an SRi so the suspension is softer... but it's all the more comfortable for it(!), not a harsh ride at all. The con
trols are all at your finger tips, the air-con works a treat and everything is 'to hand' although (as will all Cavaliers) the steering wheel is not straight in front of you.

The final words on a V6 Cavalier.. a very subtle, fast car, cheap to maintain for this performance, an 'unstressed' large engine in a small car... simlpy the best bhp for your pound... comfortable and great fun, just find a good one, it's worth searching for!

And don't expect it to hold the road like a sports car, it's front wheel drive and is effectively a Rep Mobile, but for £2000 it's an absolute hoot!