2015 Vauxhall Antara 2.2L Diesel · ST65 FLB

Fuel economy for the 2.2-litre diesel Antara typically sits in the mid-30s mpg in real-world driving, so budget for diesel rather than petrol comparisons. Road tax sits in a higher band than smaller SUVs because of the 2,231cc engine, and insurance is likely to be in group 30 or above given the vehicle's size and performance. Annual maintenance for a diesel SUV of this age and mileage typically combines an interim service, a full service with cambelt checks, tyres and brake wear items, often totalling £500-£800 outside of unscheduled repairs.

Estimated annual running cost for this vehicle, including fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance, is likely to fall in the £2,400-£2,900 range depending on mileage driven and whether you use a main dealer or independent specialist. Larger items such as tyres, brake discs and clutches can push costs above this in a higher-mileage year, so keep a reserve fund available.

Start with the 2023 MOT failure itself — request the full VT20 refusal document from the seller or run a fresh MOT history check to see exactly which categories were failed and whether they were advisories or dangerous defects. Pay particular attention to brake, suspension and emissions categories, as these are common failure points on a diesel SUV approaching a decade old. Check the wear pattern on all four tyres, because uneven wear on an Antara often points to worn suspension bushes or tracking issues rather than simple tyre ageing.

On the bodywork, inspect the wheel arches, sills and rear tailgate for rust, as the Antara is known to suffer from corrosion in these areas, particularly on earlier white examples exposed to winter road salt. Inside the cabin, test every electrical feature including the climate control, infotainment screen, electric windows and seat adjustments, because dashboard and switchgear failures are a known weak point. Under the bonnet, look for oil leaks around the cam cover, check the coolant for proper concentration and inspect the condition of the auxiliary belt and pulleys.