1998 Vauxhall Monterey: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Vauxhall Monterey?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Wheel bearings4.4× usual
  Vauxhall Monterey

  27.2% All 1998 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Monterey

  35.1% All 1998 cars

  15.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 2.2% of all 1998 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.

• Exhaust system3.1× usual
  Vauxhall Monterey

  27.2% All 1998 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 1998 Vauxhall Monterey MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Vauxhall Monterey MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  55% 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
  52% 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
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  32% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  31% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Vauxhall Monterey

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

1. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1998 Vauxhall Monterey as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?