Used car guide

2004 Vauxhall Monaro: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Vauxhall Monaro first registered in 2004: we looked at the 285 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 285 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

285MOTs of 2004 cars, done in 2023–2025
79%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 57%)
4,200typical miles a year
34%had brakes flagged

Common 2004 Vauxhall Monaro MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Brakes
    34% 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
    22% 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
    20% 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
    16% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Steering
    8% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    7% 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 2004 Vauxhall Monaro

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Vauxhall Monaro?

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Other years

Every year of the Vauxhall Monaro compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007149Brakes 28%
2006380Brakes 23%
2005407Brakes 30%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Vauxhall Monaro cars first registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score