2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  38.5% All 2001 cars

  17.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.7% of all 2001 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  17.8% All 2001 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.1% of all 2001 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.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings4.8× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  6.3% All 2001 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  6.9% All 2001 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.9% of all 2001 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.

• Steering swivel joints4.2× usual
  Vauxhall Astra

  3.8% All 2001 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  52% 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
  51% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 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 2.2× as often on the 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around sub-frame mountings? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?