| Product: |
Vauxhall Nova |
| Date: |
02.02.05 (1511 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Cheap, Reliable, Fuel efficient
Disadvantages: Rust, Old
Well what can I say, what a car?
I only had this car for about a year, this wasn’t because the car let me down or anything like that but I got a good offer for it off my mate and I was looking for a faster car, seen as I am a self confessed speed addict. This was however my first car, it was a simple Vauxhall nova 1.2i spin. Even this model is a fairly nippy car, this is mainly due to the weight of the car, as it is a light car the 1.2 engine is perfect for getting it around.
I would say that the 1.2 size is ideal for a couple of reasons:
 It is very fuel efficient, if you start to go for a bigger sized engine you will begin to lose its fuel efficiency.
 This model is also ideal for young drivers as it is insurance friendly. It is around category three.
As it is a Vauxhall, the parts are fairly easy. If you do need any parts always try local scrapyards first, as it is an old car chances are most scrapyards will have at least one. If you cant find the parts you can always order them direct from Vauxhall although they will probably charge you more.
If you do decide to buy this car beware of rust, this is a major problem on any Nova. Before you part with your precious money, check all over the car for rust especially the bottom edge of the doors and the rear arches. The rear arches are major rust points and can be quite costly to rectify. Also watch out for if the car has a parcel shelf, as I found out these are like golddust, its like they don’t exist anymore because people have ruined them cutting speaker holes in and then just throwing them away.
Vauxhall ended production of the Nova in 1993 and only the models made in 1993 (usually K reg) have a catalytic converter as this was when it was made a legal requirement for cars to reduce pollution. This can be a point to watch out for as they can fail on their emissions during an MOT if the cat is worn out as it will be old being an old car, unless it has been replaced which is a costly replacement at about £200.
My advice would be to stay away from the saloon version. In my opinion the saloon is one ugly car but the hatchback even today can look the part. For all the boy racers out there you can find lots of modifications for the Nova including various bodykits.
To sum it up, for me the Nova was an ideal first car. I was soon convinced by its practicality and suitability and would recommend it as an ideal first car. Mine cost me £600 for a Vauxhall Nova 1.2i Spin, it was in perfect condition and didn’t need any work on it the whole time I had it. So even though it is an old car if you can find one in good enough condition and ideally a hatchback version you to could have your own Super Nova.
Jonesy
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