[01-yellow-ZX3]

I'm going to look at a '96 Cavalier tomorrow for my potential winter beater.

The car is super cheap, AC, Auto, 200kms, 4 door (cheap insurance), safetied, runs nicely.

One problem the owner told me about is that it overheats as it is. The fan works, but it overheats. It could be a thermostat problem, but if its not - how significant could this problem be?

Besides things like battery, tires, brakes - what other things should I look into?

Would a compression test be worth my while?

Unfortunately its currently not on the road, so I won't be able to drive it tomorrow to check things like tranny and what not.

Thanks in advance.

[BradfordZX3]

Cavaliers are known for bad headgaskets. see if it has been replaced because that will make the car overheat.

[Crazirich]

JUNK

[nass]

or anything else AWD don't cheap out for another FWD car

[2001 ZTS]

I think you'd look good in an STi.

[Crazirich]

My favourite winter car is a 4cyl stang 5spd. Got through everything with that car.... i miss it

[darkpuppet]

the focus makes a good winter car...

[SVT ZX3]

Hey Evan, buy my old beater...84 Buick Century, 230000km, interior warmer, dead reliable, just needs rear shock and mounts to safety. $400!

[01-yellow-ZX3]

BradfordZX3,Aug 12 2005, 05:26 AM Wrote:Cavaliers are known for bad headgaskets. see if it has been replaced because that will make the car overheat.
[right][snapback]132099[/snapback][/right]

Ah, excellent, thank you very much!

[BradfordZX3]

Just wondering the status of the Cavalier. I have owned five in life. they are great reliable cars. I f you have any more problems I can probably help you

[01-yellow-ZX3]

Haven't gone to take a look at it yet, as I can't get ahold of the guy.

I hear the headgasket replacement can be a costly repair bill if the head has to be machine etc. I definitely don't want to get into something like that.