Is a 2000 Chevy Cavalier a good car ?

[RPatrick6]

I'm looking for a used car for a student with value in mind. We've been offered a 2000 Cavalier with 80,000 miles on it for $3500. The price looks good, but I am not sure about the reliability of this model. Seems that I have heard some horror stories regarding this model.

Any comments welcome.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Previous to the current model (~2002 I think) they don't have a very good record for reliability. GM regularly offers the latest model pretty cheap (<$10K Canadian, not sure in the US), but I wouldn't buy the previous model.

 

[CraigRT]

There are probably better cars out there for that price... but its not a horrid car for reliability AFAIK. just a cheap commuter car.

 

[CraigRT]

There are probably better cars out there for that price... but its not a horrid car for reliability AFAIK. just a cheap commuter car.

 

[woowoo]

Some cavaliers have an issue with "piston slap"
Listen for ticking at startup.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: woowoo
Some cavaliers have an issue with "piston slap"
Listen for ticking at startup.

Fromwhat I recall, piston slap doesn't do anything - wasn't it a common problem on the 3.1L 6-cyclinder, but didn't affect reliability. As a matter of fact they used to use that engine in cavaliers way back before the current platform (1994 maybe?), but not since then.

 

[vshah]

get a honda or toyota

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: woowoo
Some cavaliers have an issue with "piston slap"
Listen for ticking at startup.

Fromwhat I recall, piston slap doesn't do anything - wasn't it a common problem on the 3.1L 6-cyclinder, but didn't affect reliability. As a matter of fact they used to use that engine in cavaliers way back before the current platform (1994 maybe?), but not since then.

GM has been dealing with this issue for a long time. Even the 6.0L has had this same problem. They are buying them back, in fact. It is caused by a build up of carbon on the piston, causing it to hit the wall.

Honestly, the car is fine. People will bitch saying it is unreliable, but it isn't bad at all. It'll get you where you are going and I would feel better driving that than a 1995 Civic with 180k miles, which is all $3500 will get you.

 

[WolverineGator]

My GF bought a 2001 Cavalier new. It now has 72k and is doing fine. It will need one CV boot replaced and a new fuel pump. Her brother will do all the work. Otherwise it is fine.

 

[woowoo]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: woowoo
Some cavaliers have an issue with "piston slap"
Listen for ticking at startup.

Fromwhat I recall, piston slap doesn't do anything - wasn't it a common problem on the 3.1L 6-cyclinder, but didn't affect reliability. As a matter of fact they used to use that engine in cavaliers way back before the current platform (1994 maybe?), but not since then.

My co-workers problem was with the four cyl.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I haven't heard good things about them. 80k miles just seems like you are asking for trouble. I used to rent these chunks-o-crap and things start falling off and breaking at 40k miles by my experience.

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: RPatrick6
I'm looking for a used car for a student with value in mind. We've been offered a 2000 Cavalier with 80,000 miles on it for $3500. The price looks good, but I am not sure about the reliability of this model. Seems that I have heard some horror stories regarding this model.

Any comments welcome.

Make sure it isn't a former rental car.