2001 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · KY51 BJF
2001 Vauxhall Corsa (1.2L, petrol). First registered 28 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 71,633 miles. MOT expired on 15 Jun 2024.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL CORSA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Northampton
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Jun 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,633 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
KY51 BJF Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/06/2023
- 71,633 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KY51 BJF MOT History
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 2001 Vauxhall Corsa (KY51 BJF) between March 2022 and June 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 June 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
KY51 BJF Mileage History
- 21/03/202271,631 mi
- 05/06/202371,633 mi+2 mi
- 16/06/202371,633 mi
Average of roughly 2 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Vauxhall Corsa C
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this 2001 Vauxhall Corsa unless th
Given the gaps in this vehicle's recorded history, the most important step is a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a Vauxhall specialist or trusted independent garage. Pay particular attention to the common Corsa failure points highlighted in the model data: headlamp condition and alignment, front coil springs (a notorious Corsa weak point), and ball joint wear on the front suspension. Ask the seller directly why there are no MOT records between 2001 and 2022 — was the vehicle off the road, exported and re-imported, or simply not tested? Any inconsistency in their answer should be a red flag.
The suspiciously identical mileages at the 2022 and 2023 tests (71,631 vs 71,633 miles) warrant careful verification through any available service history documents, old MOT certificates, or invoices. Even at a very low asking price, a 24-year-old Corsa is approaching the end of its economical life, and parts availability for early-2000s models can be patchy. Negotiate hard on the basis of the uncertain history and the vehicle's age, and budget immediately for likely suspension and lighting work.
The 1.2-litre petrol engine in this Corsa is one of the most economical small car units of its era, typically returning 40-45 mpg in mixed driving. However, road tax for a pre-2001 vehicle registered in September 2001 will depend on exact emissions figures, but expect to pay the standard pre-2006 rate of approximately £165-£190 per year. Insurance should be very affordable in group 2-3, making this an attractive proposition on paper for younger or budget-conscious drivers.
The real running cost concern with a vehicle of this age is maintenance rather than fuel. Budget around £300-600 annually for routine servicing and wear-and-tear items, but be prepared for larger bills if the coil springs or ball joints — both common Corsa failure items per the model data — need replacement. Total realistic annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance should be in the region of £1,200-£1,800 for a vehicle of this vintage.
Based on the model-level failure patterns and the specific history of this vehicle, focus your inspection on the front suspension components. The coil spring is the single most common MOT failure point for the Corsa, so visually inspect for sagging, cracking, or broken springs, and check for uneven ride height. Ball joints should be checked for play by rocking the front wheels at 9 and 3 o'clock positions. Both front headlamps should be examined for cracks, moisture ingress, and correct alignment, as headlamp issues are the top failure reason for this model.
Given that no MOT defects were recorded on either the failed or passed 2023 tests, the reason for the failure is not visible in the data provided — this is itself a concern. Ask to see the actual failure notice (VT30 form) from the 2023-06-05 test. Additionally, check for rust on the sills, wheel arches, and rear brake drums — common issues on early-2000s Corsas of this age. Verify the engine runs smoothly when cold (a common weakness), and check the cooling system and gearbox for leaks. The condition of the timing chain on the 1.2 engine is also worth inspecting.
This September 2001-registered green Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 has just three MOT records on file, the most recent from June 2023 at 71,633 miles. The 2023 test showed a fail-then-pass sequence on the exact same date and mileage, which suggests the failure may have been a minor administrative issue rather than a significant defect. However, the glaring concern is the 21-year gap between first registration and the first recorded test in 2022, with no documented mileage progression evidence. With the vehicle now a quarter-century old, prospective buyers face substantial uncertainty about its true condition.
The Vauxhall Corsa has a model MOT pass rate of 76.2% across nearly a million,000 analysed vehicles, slightly underperforming against the national MOT pass rate of approximately 85%. The most common failure points are headlamps, coil springs, and ball joints — all items that worsen with age and UK road conditions.
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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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Electric power steering column failureSerious
Column-mounted EPS units can lose assistance intermittently or permanently, leaving the steering suddenly heavy and the warning light on.
- Easytronic clutch actuator and gearbox faultsSerious
The automated manual can shunt, refuse to select gears or throw up an F warning when the actuator or clutch adaptation is failing.
- Coil pack and EGR valve issuesModerate
Twinport petrols commonly misfire or hesitate because of coil-pack failure and soot-clogged EGR valves.
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