2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  39.3% All 2000 cars

  17.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.6% of all 2000 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.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  17.3% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.3% of all 2000 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  18.4% All 2000 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.8% of all 2000 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  15.6% All 2000 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  9.9% All 2000 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 4.5% of all 2000 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 an engine warning light.

Common 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  36% 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
  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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% 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 an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% 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 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol

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 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2000 Vauxhall Astra petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?