VAUXHALL CALIBRA1997 · 2.5L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, having passed its most recent MOT on 1 February 2025 at 81,573 miles with no defects recorded. This follows a serious failure just six months earlier in July 2023, indicating a clear improvement in condition after repairs were carried out. The absence of any advisories or failures in the 2025 test suggests the critical issues identified in 2023 have been properly addressed, and the car is now in a stable, compliant state. The mileage pattern is unusually low for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging just 2,813 miles per year. Between August 2022 and August 2023, it accumulated only 485 miles, and from August 2023 to February 2025, it added just 774 miles. This suggests extended periods of inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion, fluid degradation, and component stiffness even without high usage. The lack of MOT tests between 2021 and 2023 also implies the car may have been off the road for over a year, increasing the risk of hidden deterioration. A buyer must inspect the front suspension mounting points thoroughly, particularly the inner and outer wheel arches and strut mounts, as these were severely corroded in July 2023 and are common failure areas on this model. The seat belt anchorage on the offside floor must be checked for rust or cracking, as structural integrity there is critical. The electronic stability control fault in 2023 was resolved, but the system should be verified for proper function using a diagnostic tool. The offside mirror was flagged twice in quick succession — ensure it is now securely mounted and not a temporary fix. While the 2025 pass is encouraging, the history points to long-term neglect in corrosion management, so a full underbody inspection for rust, especially around suspension towers, sills, and brake lines, is essential before purchase.