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Fitment on a used brake varies by vehicle, so a bit of detail goes a long way. Our request form covers what breakers need to know, so every quote you get back is for the correct part:
The Cavalier ran through three main generations in the UK: Mk1 (1975–1981), Mk2 (1981–1988), and Mk3 (1988–1995). Brakes are not interchangeable across these generation boundaries, so always tell the breaker which generation you have. If you're unsure, your registration and VIN will confirm it.
The Mk3 ran from 1988 to 1995 and received a facelift during that run, but the core braking hardware broadly followed engine size and build date rather than facelift changes. Whether a very early Mk3 brake component crosses the facelift boundary and still fits your 1994 car is something you should confirm with the breaker against your exact registration, as mid-generation brake upgrades did occur. Give the breaker your reg and ask them to cross-reference the part directly.
Yes — larger-engined Cavalier Mk3s, such as the 2.0-litre models, were typically fitted with uprated brakes compared to smaller-engined variants. When contacting a breaker, always state your engine size alongside the generation so they can match the correct brake specification. Assuming all Mk3 brakes are identical regardless of engine size is likely to lead to a mismatch.
Trim level itself — L, GL, GLS, CD, and so on — does not determine brake fitment on the Cavalier; what matters is the generation and engine size. A CD-spec car shares its braking hardware with other Mk3 models of the same engine size, though cosmetic differences around the trim may mean minor variations in how surrounding components look. Focus on telling the breaker your generation and engine size rather than the trim badge.
The Mk2 (1981–1988) and Mk3 (1988–1995) are distinct generations with different platforms, and brakes from a Mk2 are not a like-for-like fit on a Mk3. Always source brakes from the correct generation, and confirm the exact part with the breaker using your registration number. Never assume cross-generation compatibility on running gear.
For individual brake components such as calipers or certain brake carriers, the nearside (NS) and offside (OS) fitments are handed and are not interchangeable. When contacting a breaker, always specify NS or OS clearly alongside your generation and engine size. Getting the side wrong is one of the most common reasons a used brake part won't fit straight on.