2001 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · WV51 BFP
2001 Vauxhall Corsa (1.2L, petrol). First registered 09/09/2001. Recorded mileage 128,848 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL CORSA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Bristol
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30/10/2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,848 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1199cc
WV51 BFP Key Findings
- 25 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/10/2024
- 128,848 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
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WV51 BFP Mileage History
- 05/09/200623,615 mi
- 04/09/200728,206 mi+4,591 mi
- 20/08/200831,645 mi+3,439 mi
- 02/09/200937,816 mi+6,171 mi
- 24/08/201042,047 mi+4,231 mi
- 23/08/201148,276 mi+6,229 mi
- 21/08/201254,825 mi+6,549 mi
- 20/08/201360,213 mi+5,388 mi
- 11/08/201466,313 mi+6,100 mi
- 20/08/201572,627 mi+6,314 mi
- 30/08/201679,307 mi+6,680 mi
- 30/08/201679,307 mi
- 29/08/201784,622 mi+5,315 mi
- 21/08/201889,241 mi+4,619 mi
- 19/08/201993,949 mi+4,708 mi
- 18/08/202097,091 mi+3,142 mi
- 23/08/202199,045 mi+1,954 mi
- 23/08/202199,047 mi+2 mi
- 06/10/2022100,939 mi+1,892 mi
- 24/10/2022100,994 mi+55 mi
- 31/10/2022100,994 mi
- 24/10/2023115,409 mi+14,415 mi
- 24/10/2023115,409 mi
- 14/10/2024128,453 mi+13,044 mi
- 21/10/2024128,848 mi+395 mi
Average of roughly 5,805 miles per year across 25 recorded odometer readings.
WV51 BFP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
25 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Vauxhall Corsa (WV51 BFP) between September 2006 and October 2024.
The record contains 19 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 21 October 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Steering (5 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 35 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While this 2001 White Corsa is still roadworthy, its MOT history reveals chronic issues with oil leaks and significant past structural and steering failures.
Given the age and history, you must verify the quality of the steering rack and rear suspension repairs carried out in 2022. Ask for invoices to prove these were professional repairs rather than quick fixes. The persistent 'oil light on at idle' advisory from October 2024 is a major red flag; you should have a mechanic check the oil pressure before purchasing.
Negotiate the price based on the current advisories. The deteriorated registration plates are a cheap fix, but the ongoing oil leak and potential engine health issues should be used to lower the asking price. Ensure there is a documented service history that explains how the car has reached nearly 130,000 miles despite these mechanical struggles.
As a small 1.2L petrol engine, this Corsa is economical to run. It likely sits in a low insurance group and has modest road tax costs due to its age and engine size. Maintenance costs for this model are generally low as parts are plentiful and easy to fit.
However, the specific history of this car suggests higher-than-average maintenance. With recurring issues involving brake cables, CV boots, and anti-roll bar linkages, you should budget for frequent small repairs to keep it roadworthy. Estimated annual costs include fuel, tax, insurance, and a contingency for the known oil leak.
Focus heavily on the engine and chassis. Check for active oil leaks and observe if the oil warning light flickers when the engine is idling, as noted in the October 2024 MOT. Inspect the rear wheel arch areas specifically for signs of patching or remaining corrosion, following the 'excessively corroded' failure in 2022.
Additionally, check the steering for any slack or unusual noises, as this vehicle has a history of 'excessive free play' and 'play in steering rack inner joints' dating back to 2017. Finally, inspect the brake pedal for the anti-slip provision and check the condition of the CV boots, as these have been recurring failure points in the vehicle's history.
This 1.2L petrol Corsa has covered 128,848 miles over 25 years. The vehicle's history is marked by repeated failures, including dangerous steering rack play and structural corrosion in the rear wheel arch area (2022). Recent tests show a persistent oil leak and an oil light that illuminates at idle, suggesting potential engine wear.
While aggregate data is unavailable, this specific vehicle shows a pattern of wear-and-tear consistent with a high-mileage city car, particularly regarding suspension and steering components.
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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