1999 Vauxhall Vectra: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Vauxhall Vectra?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Vauxhall Vectra than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  29.2% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.4% of all 1999 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.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  19.8% All 1999 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Number plate lights2.6× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  13.7% All 1999 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  3.9% All 1999 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1999 Vauxhall Vectra MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Vauxhall Vectra 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
  43% 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
  34% 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
  26% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Vauxhall Vectra

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 1.8× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Vectra as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Vectra as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Vectra as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?