damian666

OK, found a car that's cheap enough, and looks pretty sound. However, before I part with my hard earned, I need to know if all 1989 Vauxhall Novas are OHC? I'm having trouble finding out the info.

Please help, because I hear the OHV ones are pants!

Thanks
Damian

MooseRacer_1

I think it was only the 1.0 Nova's that had the old OHV engines in them.

Freak

they are all OHC
(used to own a 1.2 and a 1.4SRi)

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

Yes, only the 1.0 litre was an OHV, all the others were SOHC.

I've had a 1.3 SR and a 1.4 SRi in the past, but back then they did not have the bad "Nova boy" image they now!


Both great cars though, quickish performance, decent handling, sporty looks, cheap to run, low insurance and very reliable.

damian666

I'll try not to be a nova boy

With a 1.2 engine, don't think I'll be getting a body kit either.

Insurance is still coming out at £700 TPO though. Any ideas for cheapo insurance?

I've tried:
Tesco
Elephant
Admiral
Liv/Vic
1st Quote
Confused
Endsliegh
Norwich Union

All the biggies I think... Only Liv/Vic came in <1000

Help?
Damian

Freak

Much more expensive nowadays to insure- due to the now even worse image of them and the fact they are even moreso attainalbe to muppets and the max poo brigade

damian666

Don't get me wrong, I think £700 is reasonable

Cheaper is almost always better though!

Damian

Reffro

Tried CIS? They are good for new drivers, or those without NCB.

corradoboy

Don't know how you are for cash, but one of the best ways to get on the car ladder is with the little French supermini's. Deals aren't as good as they were, but a lad I used to work with passed his test and bought a brand new car the next day. Citroen Saxo £6.5k on 3yr 0% (2k down, 4.5k @ 125x36) with 2years insurance and a 3rd years NCD if no claims in the 2 years. If you can afford it, have a look around at Citroen/Renault/Peugeot. At the end of 3 years, he had 4 years NCD and had only paid £560 out for insurance, and he sold the Saxo for £3.5k.

Cosworth427

I have driven both a Nova SR 1.3 and a fuel injected Nova 8v GTE, they are an awful experience!

Fair enough these cars are simple, old and used, but both steering columns from the cars I've driven grind against my left foot by the clutch pedal. I'm sure a Nova/Max Power fanboy in this message board will defend it saying "well it dont happen to mine", but this seems to be a common problem with Novas.

I even driven an old MK2 1.4 Astra back to back with the SR Nova, even that old thing felt more drivable.

lozzaloz

Surely £ 700 is more than the car's worth????

Have you tried Direct Line?

Or the AA? (watch the excesses on AA though)

damian666

Erm, my insurance has always been a higher value!

AA tried - extortionate! Direct line, expensive.

Damian

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Then again we all paid silly money in insurance for our first car!

Midmotorsteve

700 is loads esp for a car like that my first car was an K plate Audi 80 2 litre group 13 i believe, that was 1100 first year 900 second 600 third, group 16 MR2 is now £600 with zero no claims as i had to claim last year.

damian666

Another thing most definately not in my favour is my living in the home of boy racers, Sutton.

Ah well, hopefully it'll be a bit cheaper next year.

Damian

scoobyster

How long have you had your licence? If less than a year, doing Pass Plus will give you 1yr NCB with some companies (inc. CIS, but not Liv Vic). That'd be 30 or 35% off, so probably worth the cost of the 6 lessons.
Saying that, I've got Pass Plus and IAMs, but Liv Vic ignore both and still come out cheapest on my GL. Worth a phone call to find out though.
Ben

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Did you buy it?

owbow

some of the 1.3s are OHV (the old Chevette 1256cc engine)

pretty much unbreakable and more torque then the OHC, but not as revvy... and no timing belt to snap...

Owain

damian666

Oh yes, its mine - with CD player etc. Off cruisin' tonight!!

Now to get a sub and wire it up!!

Engine sounds like its gonna die at 90mph but I've been told this is cos the vacuum advance is shot - £30 and all will be well.



Well Happy!!

Damian

MooseRacer

Not a bad first car at all.

If you're brave enough you'll find they go just as fast in 3rd as they do in 4th

Enjoy it, have fun, but take a bit of care too

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Get the sub during the week and I'm sure we'll find some time over the weekend to get it fitted!!

damian666

Am planning to mate

StickyMicky

none of the nova 1.3`s are OHV
sum of the astra mk2`s are 1.2OHV

where di you get this information?

damian666

UPDATE!!!

Got a sub and amp.

BASS - Yum!

Damo

owbow

err.... from the one parked in my garden????

Owain

damian666

Can anyone tell me if the vacuum advance can effect just the top end of the rev range? When I'm caning it on WOT, the car seems to lose power at the top end.

Help!
Damian