2015 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · CE65 AKV

The 1.2-litre petrol engine is one of the most economical units in the Corsa range, with real-world fuel economy typically in the 45–50 mpg range for mixed driving. As a September 2015 registration, this car sits in vehicle tax band B or C, meaning an annual VED cost of around £20–£30 as long as the standard rate still applies. Insurance is a clear strength of the Corsa — the 1.2 falls into low insurance groups (typically group 2–4), making it an affordable choice for younger drivers or second-car buyers. Routine maintenance is generally cheap thanks to widely available parts, though budget for cambelt replacement if it cannot be confirmed within the last 60,000 miles or five years. Overall annual running costs are likely to land in the £1,400–£1,800 bracket once you include fuel, tax, insurance, and a modest service and maintenance allowance.

Start with the three failure hotspots for this generation of Corsa: headlamp alignment and bulb condition, front coil springs for cracks or sagging, and lower ball joints for play when the wheel is rocked by hand. Even though this car has not recorded any of these defects, they are the most common reasons a 1.2 Corsa fails its MOT, so a current check is worthwhile. The 1.2 petrol engine (A12XER family) is known for timing chain rattle on cold start, so listen carefully for a rattle that disappears within a second or two of firing — a persistent chain noise is an expensive repair. Check coolant level and look for creamy residue under the oil cap, which would suggest head gasket concerns, and inspect the exhaust for blowing around the manifold gasket, a common Corsa complaint. Finally, confirm the VIN and engine number match the V5C, verify the mileage on the dashboard against the MOT-recorded figures (which rise in a steady, believable progression here), and check that all warning lights extinguish promptly after ignition.