2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  23.5% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.7% of all 2008 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.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  23.5% All 2008 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering swivel joints9.3× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  9.3% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  18.7% All 2008 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2008 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.

• Battery7.6× usual
  Vauxhall Astravan

  6.8% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  47% 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
  40% 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
  34% 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
  21% 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
  16% 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 2008 Vauxhall Astravan 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 2.5× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 9.3× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Astravan diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?