VAUXHALL ADAM (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 19,075 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1398cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1398cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 10 years old, 80% of VAUXHALL ADAMs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 19,075 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 50,003 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
50,003
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM has 50,003 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2016 sits between the two at 80%.
VAUXHALL ADAM by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM
The 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM is a small family car with a 1398cc petrol engine. 19,075 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 50,003 miles at 10 years old, VAUXHALL ADAM owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 VAUXHALL ADAM Fuel Costs
The 1398cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL ADAM Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL ADAMs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM
At 10 years old, the VAUXHALL ADAM is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 19,075 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 VAUXHALL ADAM stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL ADAM(2016) | 80% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£347 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£60 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£187 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
VAUXHALL ASTRA
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VAUXHALL MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
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