2016 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · FX16 XBP

The 1.4-litre petrol Corsa typically returns around 45-50 mpg in real-world mixed driving, giving fuel costs of roughly £1,400-£1,700 per year at current UK pump prices for 7,700 annual miles. Road tax sits in a modest band for this engine size, costing around £35-£190 annually depending on the exact CO2 figure. Insurance should fall into group 3-6 for this variant, so premiums are generally affordable for younger or lower-mileage drivers.

Routine servicing is inexpensive, with oil and filter changes typically £100-£150 at independents. The annual MOT is a standard £29.85 fee. With this mileage, expect wear-item replacements such as brake pads, discs, and tyres more frequently than a low-mileage example, so keep an additional £200-£400 per year aside for consumables.

Begin with a thorough inspection of all four tyres for cracking, perishing, and uneven wear — the MOT history shows repeated rear tyre perishing from late 2023 onwards, and the nearside front sidewall cracking in January 2025 indicates age-related rubber deterioration. Check the tread depth across the full width, and inspect the sidewalls for any bulges or cracks. Replacement of all four tyres is a realistic possibility.

Next, examine the front suspension: with Macpherson strut top mount bushes noted in both 2025 MOTs and track rod end ball joint dust cover issues in late 2023, listen for knocking over speed bumps and check for uneven front tyre wear which can indicate worn bushes or geometry problems. Jack the car and check for play in the front wheels by rocking them at 9 and 3 o'clock.

Finally, look over the bodywork for the obligatory mirror damage noted on the nearside front in 2025, test the registration plate lamp at the offside rear (it was inoperative in January 2025), and check for any coolant leaks near the nearside front, as a coolant housing leak was noted at the same test. A cold start inspection is worthwhile to spot any drips or staining.