2003 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Vauxhall Astra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Vauxhall Astra than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  38.7% All 2003 cars

  18.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Shock absorbers2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  15.7% All 2003 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.6% of all 2003 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.

• Coil springs1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  17.9% All 2003 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.4% of all 2003 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.

• Exhaust system1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  16.3% All 2003 cars

  10%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Front strut mounts and bushes6.2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  5.6% All 2003 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Vauxhall Astra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Vauxhall Astra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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
  48% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Vauxhall Astra

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 2.1× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Astra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Astra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Astra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?