From memories of cars of that age... A lot of manufacturers hadn't quite sorted out rusting of the rear arches and 1/4 panels. But if you're buying on condition of the car, IMO 80% of the decision has to be based on the fitness of the bodywork.

For mechanicals, timing belt would be a bad thing to have go. ISTR Top Gear or Watchdog warning that some non-Vauxhall, replacement TCAs could snap. So check those match and are genuine Vauxhall parts.

J.

 

iv had 3 calibra loved every one i had two 2l 16v red top and on v6 the calibra was galvernised after 1994 i think so the rusting thing wasnt a problem the only problem i had with my v6 was the rocker cover gasket and it was a git to do they a great on the motorways sit at 100-110 all day long i tuned my a bit it was 196bhp at the flywheel

 

I recall them brand new and being under whelmed with them then. why would you want an old vauxhall- don't get it ??? they didn't even hold much muster back in early 90's- they were laughed at then.

suppose if you do get one, you can post it on barryboys.co.uk.

but are you really going to find a good used example ?

in all seriousness, if yr doing lots of motorway miles, why not a turbo diesel something. you'll never get 30 mpg out of an calibra, never. plus vauxhall, especially of that era have never been known for reliability.

 

What you are joking?

My old Cavalier (which is basically the same but a different shell) would do 40mpg on a run all day long, was the most reliable car i have ever owned - even if it did handle like a dog, drove a buddies dropped Calibra once and whilst it could never be compared to similar age pugs etc or have handling finesse had little body roll and gripped quite well.

parts were dirt cheap etc etc. ok its an old Vauxhall but can be picked up for peanuts - cheap 140mph performance if you ask me.

I personally wouldn't have one but hey each to their own.

and if he can get a mint one - then great

 

Bmw 328i sport's are just dropping down to sensible money they are proper cars in my book and light year's ahead of the calibra in all department's

190 bhp
Rear wheel drive
LSD
Bilstein's suspension
M3 bodykit
BBS Split rims

All as standard got to be worth a look surely !!!

 

Yep, got a good example, a nice 97 plate 16v (the v6 ones I looked at were tatty and dint inspire confidence)

Get well over 30mpg, in fact this week I have just done over 200 miles now and still have half a tank left (on the scoob I would have used about 1 and a half tanks at that mileage)

 

Reason for changing from my scoob was to get something that was cheaper to run due to my mrs being pregnant and also me being made redundant at the end of next year unless my company can transfer me to a different contract. My main aim was fuel saving as the scoob was a daily driver, I do like the 328i but it wouldnt suit my needs which is basically saving money to put aside should I not get another job straight away. Having previously owned a calibra (albeit 8v model) I know what to expect etc and they aren't bad cars. Dont get me wrong its not a scoob, but for the money I paid, the condition its in and the history supplied and equipment levels (heated leather interior). On current economy I will be saving approx £50 per week which is a good saving

 

My mum ran her Cavalier V6 to just over 200k miles before selling it. Just regular servicing. Have you considered a 406 Coupe V6 SE? 3.0 engine giving either 194 or 210bhp, depending on year. Prices start, for a decent one, at about £2,500. Take a look 406 Coupe Club