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Vauxhall Nova reliability by build year

Coverage 1983-19931 named generationHatchbackPETROL

We've only got 1,003 MOT tests for Vauxhall Novas built before 2000 (over 25 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Vauxhall Nova built before 2000: fails its MOT less often than average

Vauxhall Novas built before 2000 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Vauxhall Nova by number plate

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Novas built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Vauxhall Novas built before 2000 involves the bodywork, exhaust and underside.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Vauxhall Nova's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Underbody / chassis corrosion

High priority

Get the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Nova's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Nova Mk1 (A)

Mk1 (A) (1983-1993)

Excellent
PETROL

15.2% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 1,003 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

Vauxhall Nova fail rate by age

This chart combines every Vauxhall Nova ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,00315.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Vauxhall Novas

These issues come from 25+ year old Vauxhall Novas, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    8.3%
    Advisory: 83Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened

    5.5%
    Advisory: 60Fail: 35 (37% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Wheel bearing has slight play

    5.3%
    Advisory: 66Fail: 5 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake binding slightly

    4.5%
    Advisory: 40Fail: 8 (17% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    4.0%
    Advisory: 38Fail: 4 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,003 MOT tests on 25+ year old Vauxhall Novas, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Vauxhall Novas notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Other27%
  2. Body & structure + Brakes20%
  3. Brakes + Suspension18%
  4. Fuel & oil + Other17%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 264 MOT tests on Vauxhall Nova cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Vauxhall Nova.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Vauxhall Nova name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Renault Clio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Nova on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,039 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Nova on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Volkswagen Golf

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.9%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Nova on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,567 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.6%

    No clear edge over the Vauxhall Nova on these figures.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,752 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Vauxhall Nova across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,003 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Vauxhall Nova ever sold: 1,003 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 1,003 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.