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Official DVLA Record
Outstanding Recall

2008 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9L Diesel · BL08 ABK

BL08 ABK

2008 Vauxhall Vectra (1.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Jul 2008. Recorded mileage 126,059 miles. MOT expired on 22 Jul 2025. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
VAUXHALL VECTRA
Year / Origin
2008 · Birmingham
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Expired on 22 Jul 2025
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
126,059 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 1.9L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.

MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 22 Jul 2025
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2008
Engine
1910cc
Mechanical Assessment

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

The 2024‑07‑23 MOT passed the Vauxhall Vectra, confirming it is presently roadworthy despite a series of advisories. The record shows a stable maintenance trend: recurring items such as the off‑side front wiper blade, tyre wear and slight ball‑joint play re‑appear, while newer concerns like the 2023 flywheel rattle, rear axle swivel wear and extensive brake‑pipe corrosion have not recurred in the latest test. This suggests that previous owners have addressed major structural issues and the vehicle’s condition is holding steady rather than deteriorating rapidly. The mileage of 126,059 at 18 years averages about 7,000 mi per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. The yearly increments have moderated: from 2022 to 2023 the car covered 3,659 mi, and from 2023 to 2024 only 2,213 mi, indicating reduced usage or longer periods of standing. Earlier periods show larger jumps, such as the 11,677 mi accumulated between 2014 and 2015, but the recent slowdown suggests the owner has limited annual driving. A buyer should prioritize a physical inspection of the suspension system, specifically the front and rear ball joints, bushes and coil springs, as the history records repeated play, dust‑cover deterioration and a 2019 failure of fractured coil springs. The brake assembly also warrants close scrutiny: the discs are consistently noted as worn, pitted or scored, and the brake pipes show corrosion and previous binding faults, so pad thickness, disc condition and pipe integrity must be verified. Additional checks should cover structural rust on the underbody and suspension mounts, the exhaust for leaks or mounting defects, tyre tread and edge wear, and the condition of wiper blades and direction indicators, all of which recur throughout the MOT timeline. In summary, the vehicle passes the current MOT but carries a pattern of recurring wear and previously documented structural faults that require verification before purchase. A thorough in‑person examination of suspension components, brake condition, rust‑affected areas and tyre health will reveal whether the listed advisories have been adequately remedied and whether the vehicle can be expected to remain reliable for the coming years.
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BL08 ABK Key Findings

  • 3 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 23/07/2024
  • 126,059 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)

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

Updating live data

BL08 ABK MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 15 Sept 2026, 02:37
MOT Analysis

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

3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Vauxhall Vectra (BL08 ABK) between July 2022 and July 2024.

The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 23 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Tyres (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 23 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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

BL08 ABK Mileage History

  1. 01/07/2022120,187 mi
  2. 24/07/2023123,846 mi+3,659 mi
  3. 23/07/2024126,059 mi+2,213 mi

Average of roughly 2,848 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges
Recall Notice Outstanding

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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
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
✗ Outstanding recall notice
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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
35/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,600
Mileage
At 126,059 miles on a 18-year-old vehicl...

Our Verdict

This 2008 Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi presents a high-risk proposition given its age, mileage, and the growing list of advisories. With two MOT tests showing a pattern of corrosion, suspension wear, and oil leaks, prospective buyers should budget heavily for imminent repairs. We would only recommend viewing if the asking price is set accordingly low.

Given the advisory pattern, any viewing should start with a thorough underbody inspection — both 2023 and 2024 MOT records mention corrosion, and the 2023 test specifically flagged corroded brake pipes and rear axle mounts. A brake pipe replacement on a Vectra of this age is not a small job, and the fact that the previous owner simply had it greased over rather than replaced is something to weigh up. Budget at minimum £400-£600 for brake pipe and disc refurbishment, plus suspension bushes and ball joints.

The 2023 advisory noting a rattling flywheel on a 1.9 CDTi is worth taking seriously — these engines are known for dual-mass flywheel failure at high mileage, and replacement typically runs £600-£900 with labour. Check that the clutch take-up feels smooth and listen for rattling on idle from cold. The oil leak advisory in both 2023 and 2024 suggests a persistent issue; ask the seller whether the source has been identified (commonly the crankshaft seal or sump gasket on this engine).

Tyres have been flagged as worn on the offside front in both 2023 and 2024 — this could indicate a tracking or suspension geometry issue rather than simple wear. Insist on a fresh wheel alignment and inspect the offside front strut for any signs of leakage or damage.

The 1.9 CDTi diesel engine is reasonably frugal in real-world use, with owners commonly reporting 40-48 mpg on a mix of roads. Vauxhall Vectras sit in insurance groups 8-10 depending on trim, so cover should remain affordable for this age of vehicle. Road tax for a 1910cc diesel registered in 2008 falls into a relatively expensive bracket due to pre-2017 banding rules, so budget around £200-£250 per year for VED.

Maintenance costs are where this car will sting. Parts are generally cheap and plentiful, but labour at a main dealer will be steep — an independent Vauxhall specialist is strongly recommended. Expect £200-£350 for a typical interim service, and £400-£500 for a full service including cambelt (which is due every 4 years or 60,000 miles on the 1.9 CDTi and is overdue on a 2008 car).

Begin with a cold start — listen for the flywheel rattle mentioned in the 2023 MOT, and watch for excessive smoke from the exhaust, a known weakness on high-mileage 1.9 CDTi units. Check underneath for the brake pipe corrosion flagged in 2023; even if greased, this suggests the system is approaching end-of-life and a full pipe replacement may be imminent. Examine the rear axle mounts and trailing arm bushes called out as corroded/worn in 2023 — replacement involves dropping the rear axle.

The front brake discs have been flagged as pitted in three consecutive MOTs, indicating they have never been replaced during the recorded history. On inspection, run a finger along the disc surface — if the lip is pronounced and the pitting deep, budget for discs and pads all round (£250-£350). Inspect the offside front suspension arm ball joint for the play noted in both 2023 and 2024 — this is an MOT failure item waiting to happen.

Finally, check for the oil leak noted across two tests; bring a torch and inspect the sump, timing belt area, and crankshaft seal. The lower engine mounting damage flagged in 2023 should also be assessed, as a failed mounting can transmit vibration throughout the cabin and accelerate wear on other drivetrain components.

This black 2008 Vauxhall Vectra diesel has covered 126,059 miles across its recorded MOT history, which represents an annual mileage of roughly 7,860 miles per year since first registration in July 2008 — well above the model average of 5,491. Three MOT tests are on file (2022, 2023, 2024), all of which passed, but the advisory count has grown sharply year-on-year. The 2024 test alone carried six advisories, including brake disc wear, suspension ball joint play, tyre wear, and an oil leak. The 2023 test flagged a corroded brake pipe, exhaust leak, rattling flywheel, damaged engine mounting, and corroded rear axle mounts.

The Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 CDTi has an average MOT pass rate of 71.2% across 56,717 vehicles analysed, which sits below the all-model average. Common failure points include washer systems, tyres, and brake pipe corrosion — patterns consistent with the advisories seen on this particular car.

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