2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rigid brake pipes2.4× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  42.2% All 2004 cars

  17.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Steering rack inner joints4.1× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  15.3% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 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.

• Shock absorbers2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  16.9% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint dust cover2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  11% All 2004 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.8% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  59% 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
  57% 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.

• Tyres
  42% 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
  35% 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
  18% 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 2004 Vauxhall Meriva 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 2.4× as often on the 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 Vauxhall Meriva diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?