2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Vauxhall Signum

  20.6% All 2005 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3% of all 2005 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.9× usual
  Vauxhall Signum

  11% All 2005 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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× usual
  Vauxhall Signum

  13.6% All 2005 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.7% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Vauxhall Signum 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
  46% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% 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 2005 Vauxhall Signum 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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Vauxhall Signum diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?