2008 Volkswagen Fox: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Volkswagen Fox?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Volkswagen Fox than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  16.2% All 2008 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3% of all 2008 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.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  17.8% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  18.2% All 2008 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Washers2.6× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  10% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10%, against 3.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.9× usual
  Volkswagen Fox

  8.1% All 2008 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2008 Volkswagen Fox MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Volkswagen Fox MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  42% 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
  34% 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
  22% 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
  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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  18% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Volkswagen Fox

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Volkswagen Fox as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?