1999 Vauxhall Corsa: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Vauxhall Corsa?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Vauxhall Corsa than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  16.6% All 1999 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 4.4% of all 1999 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  17.3% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.5% of all 1999 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.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  11.3% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1% of all 1999 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  10.4% All 1999 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Number plates1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Corsa

  10.7% All 1999 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Vauxhall Corsa MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 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.

• Brakes
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  22% 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.

• 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 1999 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× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Corsa as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?