1997 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · R156 BMJ
1997 Vauxhall Corsa (1.4L, petrol). First registered 19 Nov 1997. Recorded mileage 74,302 miles. MOT expired on 18 Aug 2025.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL CORSA
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Aug 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 74,302 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
R156 BMJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/08/2024
- 74,302 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R156 BMJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Vauxhall Corsa (R156 BMJ) between July 2022 and August 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 August 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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: “Central Rear Brake load sensing valve linkage defective and function impaired linkage missing (1.1.17 (a))”; “Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
R156 BMJ Mileage History
- 27/07/202262,610 mi
- 27/07/202262,610 mi
- 27/07/202367,946 mi+5,336 mi
- 03/08/202367,950 mi+4 mi
- 05/08/202474,302 mi+6,352 mi
Average of roughly 5,771 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Vauxhall Corsa B
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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VAUXHALL CORSA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- Rear arch, sill and floor corrosionSerious
Rust around the rear arches, sills, floor edges and front chassis legs can make a tidy-looking Corsa B uneconomical very quickly.
- Idle control and ignition faultsModerate
Small petrol engines often suffer hunting idle, misfire and stalling because of coil packs, stepper motors or tired sensors.
- Front spring and top mount wearModerate
Corroded springs and tired top mounts create knocks and can lead to sudden spring breakage on older cars.
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