2006 Vauxhall Tigra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Vauxhall Tigra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Vauxhall Tigra than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  20.5% All 2006 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.6% of all 2006 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  24.2% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.5% of all 2006 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.5× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  9.4% All 2006 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2006 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  12.6% All 2006 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3.3% of all 2006 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.

Common 2006 Vauxhall Tigra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Vauxhall Tigra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  45% 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% 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
  21% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Vauxhall Tigra

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2006 Vauxhall Tigra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Vauxhall Tigra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2006 Vauxhall Tigra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?