2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  22% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

• Braking performance2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  15.9% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.7% of all 2008 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  13.6% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  9.6% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  56% 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.

• Brakes
  48% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Early clutch wear

  All engines

  Clutches can wear out as early as 50,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Check the clutch bites cleanly and doesn't slip.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Agila (2000-2008) reliability

• Central locking and suspension clonks

  All engines

  Central locking is prone to failure, and suspension clonks are common (usually new bushes or grease).

  At the viewing: Test the locking and listen over bumps.

  Source: What Car?: used Vauxhall Agila (2000-2008) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel

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

1. Has the clutch been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?