Second Hand Vauxhall Cavalier Rear Light

The Cavalier ran in three generations: Mk1 (1975–1981), Mk2 (1981–1988), and Mk3 (1988–1995), and rear lights do not cross between generations as the body shells are completely different. Within the Mk3, there was a facelift in 1992 that revised the rear light clusters, so whether a pre-facelift (1988–1992) unit fits a post-facelift (1992–1995) car is a boundary you must confirm with the breaker against your registration. Always give the breaker your exact reg so they can identify which pressing your car has.

Yes, body style is the first question to answer — the Mk3 Cavalier was offered as a saloon, hatchback, and estate, and the rear light clusters differ completely between them because the tailgate, boot lid, and body pressing are each unique. A saloon rear light will not fit a hatchback or estate, so be clear with your breaker which body style you have before agreeing a price. Specifying saloon, hatch, or estate upfront will save you wasted courier trips.

Trim level — whether your Cavalier is an L, GL, GLS, or CD — does not affect rear light fitment; the clusters fit by body style and generation, not by spec. However, you may find cosmetic differences such as chrome detailing or different lens tinting between trim grades, so the unit from a lower-spec car will fit but may not look identical to your original. Ask the breaker to describe the condition and finish of the lens before buying so you know what to expect.

Yes, nearside (NS, passenger side) and offside (OS, driver side) rear lights are handed and are not interchangeable with each other. When contacting a breaker, always specify NS or OS alongside your body style and the year of your Cavalier so they pull the correct unit first time. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons for a straightforward part return.

The Mk3 Cavalier facelift in 1992 revised the rear light clusters, which means a 1990 (pre-facelift) unit and a 1993 (post-facelift) unit may not be directly interchangeable. The boundary between pre- and post-facelift is well established at 1992, but whether the specific pressing on your car matches a given breaker's stock is something to confirm with the breaker against your registration. Do not assume fitment across that 1992 boundary without the breaker verifying the part numbers or physically comparing the units.

No — engine choice makes no difference to rear light fitment on the Cavalier; the clusters are determined by generation, body style, and whether the car is pre- or post-1992 facelift, not by what is under the bonnet. Whether your car is a 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, or a diesel, the same rear light fits, so there is no need to mention your engine to the breaker when asking about this part.