Second Hand Vauxhall Cavalier Wiper Motor

The Cavalier ran across three main generations: Mk1 (1975–1981), Mk2 (1981–1988), and Mk3 (1988–1995). The wiper motor is generation-specific, so you need to match the part to your exact generation — a Mk3 motor will not be a straight swap for a Mk2, for example. Always quote your generation and whether you need the front or rear motor when contacting a breaker.

Both years fall within the Mk3 generation (1988–1995), so there is a good chance the front wiper motor will interchange, as the core body and electrical architecture remained consistent across this generation. However, confirm the exact part with the breaker against your registration before buying, as running changes within a generation can affect connector types or mounting points. Specifying front or rear when you enquire will also help the breaker pull the right unit.

For wiper motors, trim level does not affect fitment — the motor itself is the same across L, GL, GLS, CD, and other trim variants within the same generation. What can differ is the wiper stalk or switch assembly, which is a separate part, so if yours looks cosmetically different that is likely the stalk rather than the motor. Confirm the generation and front or rear with your breaker and trim can be disregarded for the motor itself.

The Mk2 (1981–1988) and Mk3 (1988–1995) are distinct generations with different body shells and electrical setups, so crossing that boundary is not straightforward. We would not advise assuming compatibility, and you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration before purchasing. A good breaker will be able to cross-reference the part number to tell you definitively whether it will work.

Yes — front and rear wiper motors are completely different units with different outputs, mounting arrangements, and connectors, so you must specify which one you need. The Mk3 Cavalier estate had a rear wiper as standard, whereas not all body styles were fitted with one, so the rear motor is less commonly needed. Tell the breaker which position you need and quote your registration so they can match the correct unit from their stock.

Some Vauxhall models shared platforms and components during the Cavalier's production run, so cross-model interchange is possible in some cases, but this varies by generation and specific motor. Rather than assuming compatibility based on brand alone, give the breaker your registration and let them check part numbers across their stock to find a confirmed match. A reputable breaker will tell you plainly whether a unit from another model is a verified fit.