2008 Vauxhall Tigra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Vauxhall Tigra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Vauxhall Tigra than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Exhaust system2.7× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  22.8% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  8.4% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.

• Link ball joint covers2× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  6.7% All 2008 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rear fog light3.2× usual
  Vauxhall Tigra

  3.2% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2008 Vauxhall Tigra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Vauxhall Tigra MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  42% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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
  29% 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
  24% 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
  16% 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 2008 Vauxhall Tigra

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Tigra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Tigra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2008 Vauxhall Tigra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?