2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Signum

  20.8% All 2007 cars

  10.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.9% of all 2007 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 system1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Signum

  17% All 2007 cars

  8.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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 2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  48% 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
  46% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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
  13% 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 2007 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 Vauxhall Signum diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?