“Lit-tle red Cavalier…” Ok, that doesn’t roll off the tongue like Little Red Corvette (Prince song), but if you have champagne taste on a cider budget, check out this 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 Convertible; it looks like a top-ten hit. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and they’re asking $6,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip!
We’ve seen quite a few Cavalier Z24 convertibles here on Barn Finds over the years, and it’s an intriguing concept from the General. A small, fun-to-drive car, easy to park, easy to zip around in – and then make the top go down, and you have a year-round fun car on a budget. They aren’t lightning fast, of course, and they’re often equipped with an automatic transmission (as in this case), but for the money, they can be a fun second car, weekend car, first car for a teenager, etc.
Even at 6′-5″ tall, this is my kind of car. I’ve had giant cars and SUVs over the last few decades of driving, and I have to say that I prefer smaller vehicles, in general. That isn’t to say that I don’t love a late-70s Lincoln Town Car or a vintage Suburban, but having an extra two feet of room in the garage is another consideration. Chevy offered the second-generation Cavalier from 1987 for the 1988 model year until the end of 1994, and they came in so many body styles that I can’t even think of a Photoshop version to create.
The interior looks like new, which isn’t surprising given the visual condition of the exterior. The seller says this is a two-owner southern car, and it has no rust, so that’s great news. We don’t get to see the back seat, the trunk, or the underside, but everything else looks basically like new. It has 114,241 miles, so it hasn’t been a garage denizen its whole life; it’s been enjoyed, hopefully with the convertible top down a lot of the time. Speaking of that, the top is two years old.
Some detailing would do wonders under the hood, which is almost always the case. This engine is Chevy’s 2.8-liter, fuel-injected OHV V6 with 125 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque moving through a THM-125 automatic sending power to the front wheels. The seller says it has a new fuel injection system (?), newer tires, a new alternator, and new hoses. Have any of you owned a little red Cavalier?
The only thing that makes this Cadavalier interesting is, it’s a convertible and it appears to be in really nice shape. I’ve never been a fan of these cars overall, they are basically a Vega with most of the bugs worked out. If you wonder why so many Americans flocked to imports for their small-car needs, this Chevy was a reason why.
A Vega is NOT front wheel drive. Nor is a ’70s Monza.
Who is Prince? All I can find are songs by this guy who was formerly known as Prince. ;)
If this was a Chevette, the song title transfer would work.
Pricey, but 80’s cars seem to be climbing. For $6500 I’d want a manual, and much less mileage. And underneath shots.
Peppy with the V6, and good handling. Had a 84 Type 10 with the 2.0 4, Manual trans and F41 suspension. And it had a great set of analog gauges. Was a good fun car. not usually a fan though of digital dashboards, but these seem to be working well. You’d attract a good bit of attention with this, and hear many owner stories.
Work with a guy who used to sing about his little red Ford Edge, but I digress. A Z24 convertible always seemed like a fun car. The V6 providing adequate power to compensate for the added weight. Contrary to others opinions these little chevies were tough cars. Far too many going 150-200k with little or no issues.
I agree, these were very reliable and long lasting, and surprisingly comfortable, too. One of these was the first FWD car I ever drove, and I couldn’t believe how nice it rode, and how good it was in the snow. This will be a fun toy for someone.
Scotty you need to photoshop the pickup (or ute) version
I had a maroon 1990 with the 3.1 go over 300,000 until the rust got the underside.
This car will sell if the seller is willing to negotiate a little bit. I know I’ve always liked the Z24 convertible. It has the right color combination too. Not concerned about not having a manual. The mileage is the only thing making it negotiable.
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Scotty,
You must practice yoga to be able to fold up and get in one of these. My nephew and my attorney are 6’5 and my great nephew is 6’11”? and plays for the NBA. Talk about tall drinks of water. I had a 1990 Cavalier 2 door hardtop 4 cylinder manual. What a tire screecher. I’m not small guy but I had to gingerly get in and out of this thing.
When you’re extra tall you develop a different technique for getting into cars. It usually involves backing in for me.
“Little Red Cavalier “!!! Scotty, you made me laugh!!! And I needed a good laugh too.
I can’t get over how nice this is, inside and out, and especially with the mileage. The 2.8 and 3.1 V6 had a nice exhaust note and truth be told, in 1988, this was a very quick car for its class. The colors are great. This will be great for driving with the top down this summer!!!
square deal here. that 2.8 will 200k+ miles if maintained. i am sure if you show up with cash you will get it cheaper. wish i was in a better position i would snap this up. cheap top down fun
I’m not knocking the Z24, but I drove a ‘98 base model Cavalier for a year and it was one of the worst cars I’ve ever owned. It randomly lost compression in one cylinder and a taillight literally fell out while I was driving; no impact, just fell out. Not to mention the leaks and electrical issues. I was all too happy to dump that car.