2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  38.7% All 2006 cars

  14%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.8%, against 2.5% of all 2006 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.

• Shock absorbers2.7× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  19.9% All 2006 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.9% of all 2006 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  24.7% All 2006 cars

  14.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.1% of all 2006 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  19.2% All 2006 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 3.3% of all 2006 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.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Meriva

  13.2% All 2006 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.9% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 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
  58% 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
  39% 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
  37% 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
  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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 2.8× as often on the 2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Vauxhall Meriva diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?