1997 Vauxhall Astra · 1,114 MOT tests
1997 Vauxhall Astra reliability
1997 Vauxhall Astras fail 39.3% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 25 Astra years (1,114 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Astras: 34.5%)
- 39.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Astras: 34.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 81,176
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,114
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- 1998 cars: 26% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.2% of tests fail here (60% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 21% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Vauxhall Astra
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.1%
- Suspension15%
- Brakes10.6%
- Body, chassis and structure9.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.3%
- Tyres6.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Service brakes uneven across an axle 4.85%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.58%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.4%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Registration plate lamp not working 3.77%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.32%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.14%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.94%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.5%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.2%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.03%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (11.31%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Astra year
The full picture: Vauxhall Astra reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Astra, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Vauxhall Astra reliable?
1997 Vauxhall Astras fail 39.3% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 25 Astra years (1,114 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Vauxhall Astra MOT?
Most often service brakes uneven across an axle (4.85% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.58% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (4.4% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Vauxhall Astra have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Vauxhall Astra shows 81,176 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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