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Official DVLA Record

2001 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · EJ51 APV

EJ51 APV

2001 Vauxhall Corsa (1.2L, petrol). First registered 05 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 23,708 miles. MOT expired on 03 Nov 2025.

Make & Model
VAUXHALL CORSA
Year / Origin
2001 · Chelmsford
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 03 Nov 2025
Road Tax
Untaxed (03 Apr 2025)
Recorded Mileage
23,708 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.2L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 03 Nov 2025
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 03 Apr 2025
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2001
Engine
1199cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The 2001 Vauxhall Corsa has a low recorded mileage of 23,708 miles, which is about 948 miles per year over 25 years. This suggests minimal use or extended periods of inactivity, which can lead to issues like rubber component degradation, corrosion, or electrical faults. The most recent MOT on 2024-10-16 resulted in a pass, with only a deteriorated rear registration plate noted. However, this defect has appeared in multiple prior MOTs, indicating a recurring issue that may not have been fully resolved. The vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of minor but recurring defects, particularly involving brake discs, lighting components, and tyre condition. In 2023-10-18, the MOT failed due to worn front brake discs (1.1.14 (a) (ii)), discoloured direction indicators (4.4.3 (a)), a defective rear fog lamp (4.5.1 (b) (ii)), and a tyre with structural damage (5.2.3 (d) (ii)). These issues reappeared in earlier MOTs, such as 2021-10-05, which noted a worn front brake disc and a damaged rear lamp. While some defects were addressed by 2024, the persistence of similar issues suggests potential neglect or ongoing wear in critical areas. The trend in defects appears stable rather than worsening, as the same components (brakes, lighting, tyres) are repeatedly flagged. However, the low mileage may mask wear in other areas, such as suspension or engine components, which are less frequently tested.
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EJ51 APV Key Findings

  • 4 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 16/10/2024
  • 23,708 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

EJ51 APV MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 30 Jul 2026, 00:56
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Vauxhall Corsa (EJ51 APV) between November 2022 and October 2024.

The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 16 October 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 9 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Rear fog lamp lens defective such that emitted light is adversely affected (4.5.1 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

EJ51 APV Mileage History

  1. 04/11/202221,341 mi
  2. 18/10/202321,671 mi+330 mi
  3. 20/10/202321,672 mi+1 mi
  4. 16/10/202423,708 mi+2,036 mi

Average of roughly 1,214 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for Vauxhall Corsa C

Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
50
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (75%)
1 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
85/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£600-£850
Mileage
The mileage is significantly below avera...

Our Verdict

A highly recommended purchase for those seeking an exceptionally low-mileage runabout. The vehicle's age is offset by its remarkably low usage and generally clean MOT history.

When inspecting this Corsa, focus on the mechanical components that have sat idle due to low usage. While the mileage is low, rubber components like tyres, wiper blades, and various seals can perish over time. Check the tyre sidewalls specifically, as the 2023 MOT recorded a 'dangerous' failure due to a tyre lump caused by structural separation.

Negotiate based on the age-related wear. You should ask for proof of recent service, as low-mileage cars often suffer from infrequent oil changes. Ensure the brake discs are in good condition; the 2023 MOT history noted pitting and scoring on the front discs, which is common for cars that aren't driven regularly.

This 1.2L petrol Corsa is designed for economy. Being a small-capacity engine, it sits in a relatively low insurance group, making it an ideal choice for newer or budget-conscious drivers. Fuel economy should be respectable for a car of this era, especially for short urban trips.

Maintenance costs are expected to be low, as parts for the Corsa are widely available and inexpensive in the UK. However, because the car has been driven so little, you may find yourself replacing items like batteries or tyres more frequently than a high-mileage vehicle would require. Expect an annual running cost that remains very manageable.

Pay close attention to the lighting and visibility components. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of discoloured indicators and a defective rear fog lamp lens. Ensure all bulbs and lenses are clear and functional to avoid immediate MOT issues.

Inspect the braking system and suspension carefully. The 2023 MOT highlighted worn and pitted front brake discs, and a previous failure noted a split drive shaft CV boot. Additionally, check the condition of the windscreen wipers, as they were flagged for ineffective clearing in 2023. Finally, check the registration plates; the MOT history shows a persistent advisory regarding a deteriorated rear plate since at least 2012.

This 2001 Vauxhall Corsa is a rare find with only 23,708 miles on the clock, significantly lower than typical for a 25-year-old vehicle. While the MOT history shows some minor age-related issues like deteriorated registration plates and discoloured indicators, the car has maintained a consistent passing record. It represents excellent value for a budget-conscious buyer looking for a small, economical petrol engine.

While aggregate data is unavailable, the Corsa is traditionally known as a sturdy, simple small car that is easy to maintain.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

VAUXHALL CORSA Model Intelligence & Reliability

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