1998 Vauxhall Corsa: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Vauxhall Corsa?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Vauxhall Corsa than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Coil springs2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  15% All 1998 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 1998 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.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  12.8% All 1998 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.7% of all 1998 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 around suspension or steering mountings1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  14.8% All 1998 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 4.5% of all 1998 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.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  12.4% All 1998 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Anti-roll bar3.3× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  2% All 1998 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Vauxhall Corsa MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% 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.

• Brakes
  21% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% 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 1998 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1998 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1998 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?