1998 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · S937 FKN
1998 Vauxhall Corsa (1.4L, petrol). First registered 01/08/1998. Recorded mileage 91,582 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL CORSA
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20/09/2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 91,582 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1389cc
S937 FKN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 23/09/2024
- 91,582 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 11 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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S937 FKN Mileage History
- 21/09/202183,838 mi
- 21/09/202286,278 mi+2,440 mi
- 15/09/202389,104 mi+2,826 mi
- 16/09/202389,117 mi+13 mi
- 23/09/202491,582 mi+2,465 mi
Average of roughly 2,576 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S937 FKN 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 1998 Vauxhall Corsa (S937 FKN) between September 2021 and September 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 September 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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: “Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution and proceed only if you are prepared for significant structural repair costs. This vehicle presents serious safety concerns regarding corrosion and airbag integrity.
If you are considering this Corsa, your first priority must be a professional inspection of the chassis and sills. The MOT history shows a long-term trend of 'advanced corrosion' progressing to 'excessive corrosion' on structural areas like the inner sills and suspension mountings. This is not merely cosmetic; it is a fundamental safety issue that can be very expensive to weld and repair.
Furthermore, do not ignore the SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) warning lamp issues which have appeared repeatedly since at least 2015. A faulty airbag system is a major safety failure. Negotiate heavily on the price to account for potential welding work, or better yet, look for a cleaner example. Ensure you check the service history for any evidence of structural repairs being carried out to address the ongoing corrosion noted in previous years.
As a 1.4L petrol model, running costs are generally low, making it an affordable choice for city driving. Fuel economy should be decent for a car of this era, though the age and potential maintenance neglect may affect efficiency.
Tax and insurance groups for a 1998 Corsa are typically low, which is a benefit for new drivers. However, be prepared for higher-than-average maintenance costs due to the age of the vehicle and the specific issues identified, such as oil leaks, tyre perishing, and the need for suspension and braking component replacements.
A thorough inspection of the underside is mandatory. Specifically, look at the nearside rear suspension component mounting and the inner sills, as the 2024 MOT recorded 'excessive corrosion' that significantly reduces structural strength. Check the offside rear area as well, as previous advisories have noted corrosion there too.
Secondly, check the dashboard for the SRS/airbag warning light. The history shows multiple failures and advisories related to the airbag system and the SRS lamp (including an instance where it was reportedly partially taped over). Finally, inspect the tyres for cracking or perishing, as the 2024 test noted both front tyres were showing signs of age-related deterioration.
This 1998 blue Vauxhall Corsa has a concerning MOT history characterised by escalating structural issues. While the mileage of 91,582 is relatively low for a 28-year-old car, the most recent MOT failure highlights major corrosion on the nearside rear suspension mounting and inner sill. Combined with recurring issues regarding the SRS (airbag) system and persistent oil leaks, this vehicle is a high-risk purchase.
While the Vauxhall Corsa is generally a robust small car, older models from this era are highly susceptible to significant chassis corrosion if not treated.
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
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