2005 Vauxhall Astravan: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Vauxhall Astravan?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Vauxhall Astravan than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rigid brake pipes2.9× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  43.2% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  24.2% All 2005 cars

  13.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Shock absorbers2.5× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  16.5% All 2005 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.7% of all 2005 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 Astravan

  17.5% All 2005 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.9% of all 2005 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.

• Battery5.3× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  6.4% All 2005 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 2005 Vauxhall Astravan MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Vauxhall Astravan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  58% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  44% 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
  37% 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
  26% 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
  19% 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 2005 Vauxhall Astravan

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 2.9× as often on the 2005 Vauxhall Astravan as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Vauxhall Astravan as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2005 Vauxhall Astravan as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?