2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Rigid brake pipes4.5× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  29.4% All 2010 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 1.1% of all 2010 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 performance2.9× usual
  Vauxhall Agila

  17.2% All 2010 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 2.4% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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
  53% 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
  39% 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
  24% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 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 4.5× as often on the 2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2010 Vauxhall Agila diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?