1997 Vauxhall Corsa · 1,208 MOT tests
1997 Vauxhall Corsa reliability
1997 Vauxhall Corsas fail 41.2% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 25 Corsa years (1,208 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Corsas: 36.4%)
- 41.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Vauxhall Corsas: 36.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 66,067
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,208
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 46% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.2% of tests fail here (65% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 5% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Vauxhall Corsa
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19%
- Suspension13.4%
- Brakes9.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.4%
- Body, chassis and structure7.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.6%
- Tyres5.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.21%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.72%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 4.39%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Stop lamp not working 3.97%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Registration plate lamp not working 3.39%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 3.15%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (23.1%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (16.56%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (12.58%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.33%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (11.42%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (9.85%)
Other years
Every Vauxhall Corsa year
The full picture: Vauxhall Corsa reliability. Before you pay for any Vauxhall Corsa, 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 Corsa reliable?
1997 Vauxhall Corsas fail 41.2% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 25 Corsa years (1,208 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Vauxhall Corsa MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.21% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.72% of tests), position lamp not working (4.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Vauxhall Corsa have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Vauxhall Corsa shows 66,067 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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