1996 Vauxhall Corsa: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Vauxhall Corsa?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Vauxhall Corsa than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  20.2% All 1996 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 4.3% of all 1996 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.

• Number plates2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  12.2% All 1996 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.7% of all 1996 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.

• Rust in key structural areas2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  6.7% All 1996 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.8% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 1996 Vauxhall Corsa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Vauxhall Corsa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  32% 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
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  27% 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
  25% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Vauxhall Corsa

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1996 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1996 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1996 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?