2000 Vauxhall Vectra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Vauxhall Vectra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Vauxhall Vectra than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  29.9% All 2000 cars

  17.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 2.6% of all 2000 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.

• Number plate lights2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  14.3% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.4% of all 2000 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  8.5% All 2000 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 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.

• Anti-lock braking system3× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  3.9% All 2000 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Front strut mounts and bushes4.3× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  2.6% All 2000 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Common 2000 Vauxhall Vectra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Vauxhall Vectra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% 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
  39% 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
  25% 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
  22% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Vauxhall Vectra

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 1.7× as often on the 2000 Vauxhall Vectra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2000 Vauxhall Vectra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2000 Vauxhall Vectra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?