1991 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.8L Petrol · J122 JRN

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness profile, though the recent history indicates an inconsistent approach to testing. The most recent test on 25 June 2025 at 108,071 miles resulted in a failure without recorded defects, which suggests a technicality or an administrative oversight rather than a mechanical decline. This follows a clean pass in May 2024 and a failure in April 2023, indicating that while the car is capable of meeting standards, it lacks a proactive maintenance schedule. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a vehicle from 1991, averaging approximately 3,100 miles per annum. There is a significant seven-year gap in the records between September 2016 and April 2023, during which the car covered only 973 miles. This period of inactivity suggests the vehicle sat for long durations, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components, perished seals, and fluid contamination despite low mechanical wear. The recent accumulation of 2,800 miles between 2023 and 2025 shows a sudden increase in usage after a long period of dormancy. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the structural integrity and aging components. Given the age and the history of standing, check for advanced structural corrosion in the sills, floor pans, and wing arches, which are common failure points for the Cavalier. The braking system should be tested for seized calipers or perished lines that may have developed during long stationary periods. Additionally, suspension bushes and rubber boots require close scrutiny for cracking or tearing, as these parts degrade due to time and exposure rather than mileage alone.