2002 Vauxhall Agila: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Vauxhall Agila?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Vauxhall Agila than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  34.6% All 2002 cars

  17.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  20.4% All 2002 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm2.9× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  10.6% All 2002 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  14% All 2002 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  8.6% All 2002 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2002 Vauxhall Agila MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Vauxhall Agila MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  46% 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
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% 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
  24% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2002 Vauxhall Agila

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Early clutch wear

  All engines

  Clutches can wear out as early as 50,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Check the clutch bites cleanly and doesn't slip.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Agila (2000-2008) reliability

• Central locking and suspension clonks

  All engines

  Central locking is prone to failure, and suspension clonks are common (usually new bushes or grease).

  At the viewing: Test the locking and listen over bumps.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Agila (2000-2008) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Vauxhall Agila

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the clutch been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Vauxhall Agila as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Vauxhall Agila as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2002 Vauxhall Agila as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?