2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  28.4% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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 performance2.8× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  18% All 2009 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 2.6% of all 2009 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 bushes12× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  9.6% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.1% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  14.1% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes10.6× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  5.3% All 2009 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 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.

Common 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  51% 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
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel

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 3.9× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 12× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?