2008 Vauxhall Astra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Vauxhall Astra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astra than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Engine oil leaks2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  30.2% All 2008 cars

  12.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2008 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.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  24% All 2008 cars

  14.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Coil springs1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  20.1% All 2008 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 3.9% of all 2008 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.

• Steering swivel joints6.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  8.1% All 2008 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  15.6% All 2008 cars

  9.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.5% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Vauxhall Astra 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
  44% 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
  38% 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
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

Known faults on the 2008 Vauxhall Astra

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.

• Timing belt and water pump

  Engines with a timing belt

  Where fitted, the timing belt needs changing every 40,000 miles or the engine can be wrecked, and a failing water pump can damage the engine.

  At the viewing: Ask for invoices for the timing belt and water pump.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Astra (2004-2010) reliability

• 1.9 diesel problems

  1.9 CDTi diesel

  The 1.9 diesel is the least reliable engine, with engine problems and smoke.

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when you accelerate hard and check for warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Astra (2004-2010) reliability

• Clutch judder

  Manual gearbox

  Both petrol and diesel cars can be hard to pull away smoothly. Dealers can fit modified parts.

  At the viewing: Pull away gently a few times.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Astra (2004-2010) reliability

• Worn front suspension bushes

  All engines

  The front suspension bushes can wear quickly.

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over bumps.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Astra (2004-2010) reliability

• Electrical faults

  All engines

  The instrument cluster can give false readings and electric windows can fail.

  At the viewing: Try every window and watch the gauges.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Astra (2004-2010) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Vauxhall Astra

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

1. When were the timing belt and water pump last changed, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astra as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?