2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes3× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  21.5% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 1.2% of all 2009 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  19.9% All 2009 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  14.9% All 2009 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  12.7% All 2009 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Flexible brake hoses2.9× usual
  Vauxhall Vectra

  7.5% All 2009 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  39% 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
  37% 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
  11% 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 2009 Vauxhall Vectra 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 3× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2009 Vauxhall Vectra diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?