Used car guide

2005 Vauxhall Monaro: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Vauxhall Monaros, from 130 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 130 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

130MOT tests in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,600typical miles a year
32%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 Vauxhall Monaro MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    32% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    26% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    17% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Steering
    11% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    8% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006128Brakes 20%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Vauxhall Monaros registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score