1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  37.5% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.4% of all 1999 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.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  29.5% All 1999 cars

  14.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  16.9% All 1999 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.6%, against 4.4% of all 1999 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.

• Track rod ends2.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  12.3% All 1999 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Number plates2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  13.8% All 1999 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Vauxhall Astra 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% 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
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% 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 1999 Vauxhall Astra 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 2.3× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?