2009 Vauxhall Agila: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Vauxhall Agila?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.5× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  25.2% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.

• Braking performance2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  15.2% All 2009 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.6% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Front strut mounts and bushes9.1× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  7.3% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  11.6% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 3.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  6% All 2009 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2009 Vauxhall Agila MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Vauxhall Agila MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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.

• Brakes
  47% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  22% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Vauxhall Agila

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 9.1× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?