2008 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · SC08 DWW

The 1.4 petrol Corsa is economical to run, typically returning 40-45 mpg in mixed driving and up to 50 mpg on a run. As a 2008 petrol, it sits in a modest road tax band, and with CO2 emissions of around 146 g/km, annual VED is low. Insurance falls into group 5 or 6, keeping premiums affordable for most drivers, and parts are cheap and widely available thanks to the model's popularity. The 1.4 engine is straightforward to maintain, but budget for the upcoming cambelt replacement if it has not already been done, as this typically costs £250-£400. Including fuel, tax, insurance and routine servicing, total annual running costs should fall into the £1,400-£1,700 range.

Despite the clean MOT results, the two consecutive retests warrant a closer look at the items that commonly cause failures on this generation of Corsa. The model-level data flags headlamp issues, coil springs and ball joints as the top failure reasons, so each of these should be physically inspected — check headlamp alignment and condition, push down on each corner to test for spring weakness, and listen for clonking from the front suspension over bumps. The 1.4 Twinport engine is known for occasional inlet manifold issues and coolant leaks, so check the coolant level and look for staining around the manifold. Finally, examine the body for rust around the rear wheel arches and door bottoms, as well as any signs of accident repair along the sills, which are common on a Corsa of this age regardless of MOT history.