Vauxhall Cavalier Mark III (1988-95)

The 1995 Vauxhall Cavalier had a few common issues reported by owners:

1. **Alternator and Battery**: Some experienced problems with the alternator and battery.

2. **Electrical Gremlins**: Various electrical issues, such as central locking working inconsistently.

3. **Rear Hatch Struts**: The rear hatch struts were prone to wear.

4. **Suspension, CV Joints, and Brakes**: Wear and tear on suspension components, CV joints, and brakes.

5. **Timing Belt and Oil Changes**: Regular maintenance, including timing belt replacement and oil changes, was crucial for longevity.

Remember, proper maintenance can help mitigate these issues and keep your Vauxhall Cavalier running smoothly!

Generations
The Vauxhall Cavalier has been produced in **three generations**:

1. **Mark I (1975–1981)**: The first generation, launched in 1975, was based on the Opel Ascona B and Opel Manta B designs. It shared the U-car platform and featured a longer hood and a distinctive "droopsnoot" nose from the Manta B.

2. **Mark II (1981–1988)**: The second generation, introduced in 1981, coincided with the new Opel Ascona. Both models were part of the GM "J-Body platform." The Cavalier and Ascona shared similar designs worldwide.

3. **Mark III (1988–1995)**: The final generation, produced from 1988 to 1995, was based on the Opel Vectra A. It continued the Cavalier legacy with updated styling and features.
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Body Styles
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3 was offered in two body styles:

1. **4-door saloon**
2. **5-door hatchback**

Unlike its predecessors, the Mark 3 did not include a 2-door saloon or estate option.
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Trim Levels
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3 had a wide range of trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the main trim levels that were available:

1. **L**: The base model with essential features.
2. **GL**: Added more comfort and convenience features.
3. **GLS**: Further enhancements in terms of interior and exterior features.
4. **CD**: A more luxurious trim with additional features.
5. **CDX**: The top-of-the-line trim with the most features and luxury.
6. **SRi**: A sportier version with performance enhancements.
7. **GSi**: High-performance model with advanced features.
8. **Turbo**: The most powerful version with a turbocharged engine.

These trim levels provided a variety of options for buyers, from basic and affordable to luxurious and high-performance.
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Engines
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3 was offered with a variety of engines to cater to different preferences and performance needs. Here are the main engine options:

1. **1.4-litre petrol**: Entry-level engine providing adequate performance for everyday driving.
2. **1.6-litre petrol**: A step up from the 1.4-litre, offering a bit more power.
3. **1.8-litre petrol**: Balanced option with good performance and efficiency.
4. **2.0-litre petrol**: Available in both 8-valve and 16-valve versions, with the latter offering better performance.
5. **2.5-litre V6 petrol**: High-performance engine available in the SRi and GSi models.
6. **2.0-litre turbocharged petrol**: Found in the Turbo 4x4 model, providing excellent performance.
7. **1.7-litre turbodiesel**: For those seeking better fuel economy¹²³.

These engine options made the Cavalier Mark 3 a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.
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Spares
You can find spares for a Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3 at several places in the UK and Ireland. Here are some options:

1. **AutoPartsPro**
- **Website**: [AutoPartsPro](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/vauxhall-cavalier-carparts)
- They offer a wide range of parts for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3, including brakes, filters, suspension components, and more¹.

2. **Vauxhall Green Parts**
- **Website**: [Vauxhall Green Parts](http://www.vauxhallgreenparts.co.uk/Cavalier_MK3.html)
- Specializes in genuine Vauxhall Cavalier spares, covering various components².

3. **EU-Spares**
- **Website**: [EU-Spares](https://www.euspares.co.uk/original-parts/vauxhall/cavalier/cavalier-mk-iii-hatchback)
- Provides original parts for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3³.

4. **Autodoc**
- **Website**: [Autodoc](https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares/vauxhall/cavalier)
- Offers a comprehensive catalogue of parts for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3⁴.

These sources should help you locate the parts you need for your Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND VAUXHALL SPECIALIST LIST**

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Website
2. Wilsons of Rathkenny
o Address: 371 Cushendall Road, Ballymena BT43 6QB
o Phone: 028 2175 8177
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
3. Townparks Car Sales Antrim
o Address: Springfarm Industrial Estate, Antrim BT41 4NZ
o Phone: 028 9446 2506
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: 1 Ashtree Hill, Craigavon BT62 2LH
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00
o Website
2. ClickMechanic
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 020 3322 9988
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
3. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: 2 Moy Road, Armagh BT61 8DL
o Phone: 028 3752 2911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. Ballyrobert Vauxhall
o Address: 402 Bangor Road, Bangor BT19 1UE
o Phone: 028 9127 2701
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. Donnelly Group
o Address: 62 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6LR
o Phone: 028 9038 1729
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
3. Approved Garages
o Service: Network of approved garages across Northern Ireland
o Phone: 0845 305 4230
o Hours: Varies by location
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Lochside Garages
o Address: 101 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen BT74 6GQ
o Phone: 028 6632 4366
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. Higgins Autos
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 028 6632 4366
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
Lloyd Cooke Motors
o Address: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ
o Phone: 028 7130 2100
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 14:00
o Website
2. ClickMechanic
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 020 3322 9988
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
3. Donnelly Group
o Address: Maydown Carrakeel Drive, Maydown, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6UQ
o Phone: 028 7122 6386
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday by appointment only
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Donnelly Group
o Address: 59 Moy Road, Dungannon BT71 7DT
o Phone: 028 8772 2887
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. McMullan Autobreakers
o Address: 15 Melmount Road, Sion Mills, Strabane BT82 9ET
o Phone: 028 8165 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Website
3. Approved Garages
o Service: Network of approved garages across Northern Ireland
o Phone: 0845 305 4230
o Hours: Varies by location
o Website
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Racing
The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3 was indeed raced, particularly in touring car championships. It was notably successful in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) during the early 1990s. The Cavalier Mark 3 competed against other popular models of the time and achieved significant success:

1. **BTCC**: The Cavalier Mark 3 was driven by several prominent drivers and teams. It won the BTCC Manufacturer's Championship in 1992 and 1995.
2. **Modifications**: For racing, the Cavalier Mark 3 was extensively modified. These modifications included enhanced aerodynamics, upgraded suspension, and more powerful engines to meet the demands of competitive racing.

The Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3 had a notable presence in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) during the early 1990s. Here are some key highlights of its racing achievements:

1. **BTCC Success**: The Cavalier Mark 3 was a strong competitor in the BTCC, driven by notable drivers such as John Cleland. It won the BTCC Manufacturer's Championship in 1992 and 1995¹².

2. **John Cleland's Championship Wins**: John Cleland, driving the Cavalier, won the BTCC Drivers' Championship in 1995. His skillful driving and the car's performance made a significant impact on the series¹.

3. **Technical Modifications**: The racing versions of the Cavalier Mark 3 were extensively modified to meet the demands of competitive racing. These modifications included enhanced aerodynamics, upgraded suspension, and more powerful engines¹.

4. **Endurance and Reliability**: The Cavalier's success in racing was also due to its reliability and endurance, which were crucial in long and demanding races¹.

These achievements helped to cement the Vauxhall Cavalier Mark 3's reputation as a capable and competitive racing car.

The success of the Cavalier Mark 3 in racing helped to cement its reputation as a capable and versatile vehicle.