2016 Vauxhall Antara: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Vauxhall Antara?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Vauxhall Antara than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.1× usual
  Vauxhall Antara

  15.2% All 2016 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Number plate lights4× usual
  Vauxhall Antara

  10.7% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Sidelights6.6× usual
  Vauxhall Antara

  8.6% All 2016 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Shock absorbers3.1× usual
  Vauxhall Antara

  11% All 2016 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Engine oil leaks4.7× usual
  Vauxhall Antara

  9.3% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2016 Vauxhall Antara MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Vauxhall Antara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  32% 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
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Vauxhall Antara

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2016 Vauxhall Antara as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2016 Vauxhall Antara as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 2016 Vauxhall Antara as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?