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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

2275.0. "Cavalier CDX ?" by WELCLU::CLIFTON (Paul Clifton) Fri Jun 24 1994 14:57

    Hi,
    
    I have recently noticed the disappearance of the Cavalier Diplomat and
    the subtle little "X" added to the Cavalier CD.  Since my lease is just
    up for renewal, I was wondering if anybody had tried/owns the new CDX
    2.0I or 1.7TD and what their verdict was ??  I am looking quite
    seriously at the CDX 1.7TD since it seems good value for money...(I
    could even splash out on leather seats and still pay less lease than
    currently).  The extra Tax cost seems to be nullified by the added
    economy of the engine.
    
    Any comments ?
    
    Paul.
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2275.1COMICS::SHELLEYAlways with the -ve wavesFri Jun 24 1994 15:519
    I can vouch for the 1.7TD engine. I've had my Cavalier LS for 8 months
    now and 17,000 miles up with no problems and a regular 45mpg.
    
    Its a bit of a slug at times particlularly when pulling away but
    thats a diesel for you.
    
    The biggest pain is the rather frequent 4,500 miles service intervals.
    
    Royston
2275.2CDX CD player?WELCLU::CLIFTONPaul CliftonMon Jun 27 1994 15:3814
    I gather that the 1.7TD engine comes with a Catalytic Converter; do you
    think this now makes it Environmentally Friendly...I gather there is
    quite a debate about whether diesels are much good for the environment,
    when compared to the average unleaded variety.
    
    What about the CD player in the CDX...anybody had any experience of
    these, are they reliable, do they jump at all etc.???  Has any body
    added a multi CD option to their Lease Car...if so, how much extra did
    it add to the lease cost, did they choose a 6 or 10 CD player, what
    make etc...
    
    In fervent anticipation,
    
    Paul.
2275.3WELSWS::HILLNIt's OK, it'll be dark by nightfallMon Jun 27 1994 16:487
    The cat on a diesel will reduce the emission of gaseous rubbish, but it
    doesn't do anything for the particulate emissions.
    
    The moaning about diesels concerns the particulates which are accusedof
    aggravating asthma and other respiratory ailments.  What is overlooked
    is that diesels have a much lower benzene emission than petrol engines. 
    And benzene is carcinogenic and toxic at all levels of emission.
2275.4Let the polluter payBRUMMY::WALLACE_JMon Jun 27 1994 17:595
    The moaning about diesel cars also overlooks the fact that around 80%
    of diesel-generated pollutants (depending on which pollutant you
    measure) come from trucks+buses, not cars. These are Govt figures so
    must be OK, seen recently in the press. And of that 60% probably a
    small number of trucks+buses generate a huge amount of pollution.
2275.5CDX Demonstrator arrives!WELCLU::CLIFTONPaul CliftonTue Jun 28 1994 15:0542
    Well...suprise suprise, Vauxhall have managed to muster a demonstrator
    for the CDX 1.7TD...at short notice as well!!  The car looks very sleek
    and an initial test drive has proved a few things...
    
    1. The sound proofing compared with the GLS 1.7TD is alot better, I
       mean ALOT better.  Driving around, even with the roof wide open,
       I cant hear the engine at all; pretty amazing for a diesel!
    
    2. The CD player (a Blaupunkt {sp?}) is a pretty good sound system
       especially when compared to the Phillips thingy in my current
       Renault.  There is no jumping and the standard speakers do a pretty
       reasonable job of handling the sound output.  My only niggle there
       is the single play option...a multiplay option would be alot better.
    
    3. General trim level is very good, especially with the added passenger
       air bag and all electric goodies, although Vauxhall's rationale for
       removing the seat storage pockets and tape storage areas, has to be
       questioned...where do I put my maps?..not the floor *again*.
    
    4. Ride is very good, although the softer suspension on the corners can
       be a little un-nerving.
    
    5. Gearbox is smooth, and at first test, does seem to be better than
       the GLS I have tried (but dont they use the same gearbox??)
    
    6. The most unusual feature is the new Security system they provide
       with the CDX.  This is a two tier security system.  If the car is
       left with the engine off for more than a few seconds, the imobiliser
       cuts in.  This can be turned off again by pressing the keyfob
       button, prior to turning the engine over.  If you get out of the car
       and want to quickly "lock up", pressing and holding the keyfob
       button engages the imobiliser AND central locks the car; do the same
       to unlock and disengage the imobiliser.  If you want real security,
       use the key to lock the door and this trips in the deadlock and the
       pressure sensor alarm.  Its all quite good, if a little confusing at
       first.
    
    Generally, I am very pleased and I think I may be placing my order any
    day now.
    
    
    	Paul.
2275.6Got one but not entirely happyMYKENE::TCCS11::Trevor_Burns(Just another Flunky)Wed Aug 24 1994 16:1910
I have now got one of these CDX beasts with the leather CD and alarm
and after doing 2000 miles I have a problem of returning only aprox
41-42 mpg. This should not be my driving style as my previous car was
a cav 1.7 td GLS in which I did 64000 in 2 years geting not less than
45 mpg. Also this car seems to be low on power with the turbo cutting 
in aprox 2500 rpm where as th GLS seemed to cut in below 2000 rpm

Has anybody else got one yet and have any impressions of it?.

  
2275.7Itsa not so bad...REOSV1::ROEMWed Aug 24 1994 16:245
    41-42 MPG for me too. No complaints after the Frontera Sport's 23mpg.
    
    I'm assuming yours is the TD version and not petrol.
    
    Mike
2275.8Yes its a 1.7 TDMYKENE::TCCS11::Trevor_Burns(Just another Flunky)Wed Aug 24 1994 17:349
Yep its the TD version but I want me old 1.7 TD engine from
my cav GLS back at 45 + mpg.
 
Whats the difference between my old 92 k reg and my new M reg
1.7 td engine / gearbox combination thats costing me the mileage ?.

Anybody know.

	Thanks for any info Trev.
2275.9Worthless noteBAHTAT::DODDWed Aug 24 1994 17:373
Pure guess Catalyst, Gearing, Weight, "Improvements"

Andrew
2275.10BERN01::GOODEJMr DragonThu Aug 25 1994 09:549
    
    Re .6
    
>>I have now got one of these CDX beasts with the leather CD and alarm
    
	What is a "leather CD". How does it work. Is it cheaper than the
    metal/plastic ones??? 8-)
    
    JBG
2275.11Mpg gets better ???WELCLU::CLIFTONPaul CliftonThu Aug 25 1994 14:2310
    My New CDX is due at the end of September and I must admit to being a
    little concerned about the mpg figures here.  Could it be that the
    engine is new and not "run in" yet, perhaps the mpg gets better as the
    engine gets looser ??
    
    A mate of mine has the GLS 1.7TD and he started off with 41mpg but
    after 2000 miles was getting 45mpg and now never gets less than 50mpg. 
    Perhaps things get better ??!
    
    Paul   8-/
2275.12Almost certain it will improveARRODS::BARRONDStuff up and it blows sky hiTue Sep 06 1994 15:1413
        I'd wait a few more thousand (10K) and see. I suspect it will
    improve.
    
    My 2.1TD Espace is more economic after 20k. Average 38MPG... this 
    with lots of short journeys.. shopping, school runs about 4-5 miles 
    round trip + plus a 60 mile dash to sister-in-laws once a week.
    
    When running in I only got 35MPG and with a more restrained driving
    style. The engine was still tight at 5k and would not rev to the red 
    line very easily. It now whistles up there very sweetly.
    
    Dave
    
2275.13COMICS::SHELLEYAlways with the -ve wavesThu Sep 15 1994 17:0251
    For those interested in Cavalier turbo diesel fuel economy,
    here is the complete rundown on the fuel used in my car from new.

    For some reason I've always kept a record when I fill up and when I
    have enough data I run it through a program I knocked together.

    I think it bears out that old diesels never die they just get more
    economical :-)

    Royston...

Fuel Consumption Cavalier LS Turbo Diesel L257 GDP
--------------------------------------------------
Date     Mileage   Gals     Cost   C/G  Month    Over           MPG     Av
----     -------   ----     ----   ---  -----    ----           ---     --
                             #
06/10/93  00174

04/11/93  02525    48.60   104.70 2.15 October   2351 Miles    48.37  48.37
          -----   ------   ------
           2351    48.60   104.70
07/12/93  04610    43.74    94.00 2.15 November  2085 Miles    47.67  48.04
          -----   ------   ------
           4436    92.34   198.70
06/01/94  06222    33.16    74.00 2.23 December  1612 Miles    48.61  48.19
          -----   ------   ------
           6048   125.50   272.70
07/02/94  08530    48.77   106.10 2.18 January   2308 Miles    47.32  47.95
          -----   ------   ------
           8356   174.27   378.80
05/03/94  10500    39.63    86.30 2.18 February  1970 Miles    49.71  48.27
          -----   ------   ------
          10326   213.90   465.10
05/04/94  12740    45.32    98.68 2.18 March     2240 Miles    49.43  48.48
          -----   ------   ------
          12566   259.22   563.78
01/05/94  14200    31.95    70.00 2.19 April     1460 Miles    45.70  48.17
          -----   ------   ------
          14026   291.17   633.78
01/06/94  16134    38.03    84.30 2.22 May       1934 Miles    50.85  48.48
          -----   ------   ------
          15960   329.20   718.08
02/07/94  17860    32.50    72.00 2.22 June      1726 Miles    53.11  48.90
          -----   ------   ------
          17686   361.70   790.08
07/08/94  19880    41.46    89.80 2.17 July      2020 Miles    48.72  48.88
          -----   ------   ------
          19706   403.16   879.88
05/09/94  21950    41.12    92.50 2.25 August    2070 Miles    50.34  49.01
          -----   ------   ------
          21776   444.28   972.38
2275.14TickFILTON::PACK_JCloud Base is heavenFri Sep 16 1994 15:1631
    
    RE the 1.7TD CDX.
    
    The CD player is great, it has features like; extended other networks,
    (variable) increase in sound level with speed. Good sound and no skips,
    (unless you slam the glove compartment door).
    
    Its a slug and thats not the diesel, my BX 1.7TD's both moved when
    requested to. I thinks its a combination of poor engine and heavy car.
    
    The security system sucks, if you use the remote control to lock the
    car  the alarm is not armed. You have to dead lock the car with the key
    to put the alarm on.
    
    The roof is low I find it hard to keep my neck straight in the back,
    and my hair touches the roof in the front.
    
    There is now where to put your CD's, and the back window lock off
    feature is where the kids can reach it! 
    
    I'm also in dispute with vauxhall about whether my alarm actually
    works.
    
    
    Ahh but the tunes I get from the CD and an RDS radio that feeds you
    with traffic bulletins, from more than one radio station as you listen
    to CD's, the radio, or nothing at all...
    
    :J
             
      
2275.1510 play CD AutochangerWELCLU::CLIFTONPaul CliftonTue Sep 20 1994 14:1224
    Not quite in receipt of my CDX yet...
    
    Interestingly, I ordered my CDX 1.7TD back in July (94 spec) and have
    recently been told that because the delivery is after September, I will
    actually receive a 95 spec model.  Not suprisingly chuffed with this
    snippet of news, I wandered down to my local dealer to find out what
    additions I would be getting for my money....
    
    Delays on the courtesy lights
    Heating ducts in the rear
    Rear reading lights
    Front map reading lights
    Illuminated vanity mirrors
    AND...the option of a 10play boot mounted CD Autochanger
    
    Whoop..whoop I cried and quickly rang up Fleet to see if this goody
    could be added to my order, since it was not an option on the 94 spec
    model.  Unfortunately, they told me the car had been "processed" too
    far, and since it was factory fit only, I couldnt have it without a
    complete reorder (at the higher VTX quoted lease value).  So I am
    stuffed there, but anybody looking at the CDX might be intereseted to
    know that this excellent goody is now a factory fit option.  It appears
    pretty good too, with RDS radio, Stereo Tape and 10 play CD, all for a
    list price of �600...sniff, sniff..wish I had one...
2275.16GENIE::GOODEJTue Sep 20 1994 14:178
    
    Hey Paul,
    
    	don't knock it man, you've still got illuminated vanity mirrors!!
    
    8-)
    
    JBG
2275.17VANGA::KERRELLHakuna matata!Tue Sep 20 1994 15:589
re.15:

> Delays on the courtesy lights
> Front map reading lights
> Illuminated vanity mirrors

These are not new. Had 'em on my last CD and now on my GLS.

Dave.
2275.18why �400/year difference?WELCLU::YOUNGPolicemen aren't nasty peopleTue Sep 20 1994 16:3111
    
    As far as I can see theres not a lot of difference between the GLS and
    CDX in TD guise sure the V6 CDX has leather seats, the 2.0i 16v has
    airconditioning but in TD form you get wonderful luxuries such as twin
    illuminated vanity mirrors and kerb illumination lights in doors but I
    can't see �400/years(company list difference) worth, or am I missing
    something?
    
    
    Richard
                        
2275.19COMICS::SHELLEYAlways with the -ve wavesTue Sep 20 1994 16:439
    �not a lot of difference
    
    With the CDX you get alloys as standard.
    
    Personally I couldn't be bothered to pay the extra for the GLS let
    alone the CD.
    
    Royston (Humble LS driver who has to live without rear heater ducts and
             electric mirrors)
2275.20alloys on GLS!!WELCLU::YOUNGPolicemen aren't nasty peopleTue Sep 20 1994 16:485
    
    
    Alloys are standard on the GLS now! (95 model)
    
    Richard
2275.2194 CDX and 95 GLS differences?WELCLU::CLIFTONPaul CliftonWed Sep 21 1994 14:0812
    re: .18
    
    You're not wrong really.  Now that they have announced the 95 spec
    models, there isnt a lot of extras in the CDX that you dont get in the
    GLS.  I'm just glad I got the CDX at 94 prices...dunno what the
    difference is between the price of the new GLS and the old CDX,
    probably not a lot in it I should think.  One things for sure, you dont
    get the option of the 10 play CD Autochanger on the GLS...
    
    8-(
    
    still a little niffed....Paul.
2275.22Single CD optionWELCLU::YOUNGPolicemen aren't nasty peopleWed Sep 21 1994 14:5713
    
    
    No you don't get the optoin of a 10 play autochanger but you do get the
    option of a single play one instead of the tape player for a very
    modest �38/yr
    
    What about the 16v engine in the LS and GLS are we going to to get
    those for the current listed prices?
    
    Does anybody tow a caravan with a 2.0I 16 Ecotec engine (in a Cavalier
    CDX, SRI or Calibra)
    
    Richard
2275.23After five monthsFILTON::PACK_JCloud Base is heavenTue Jan 31 1995 15:4710
    
    Reference .14
    
    I've now 'blown up' (no quite) my speakers in the CDX ie the quality of
    sound is becoming worse and VAUXHALL refuse to recognise the problem.
    
    
    Ghrrrrr
    
    :J