VAUXHALL ADAM (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,351 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1398cc Petrol
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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%.
At 8 years old, 86% of VAUXHALL ADAMs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,351 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,563 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
36,563
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 VAUXHALL ADAM has 36,563 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2018 sits between the two at 86%.
VAUXHALL ADAM by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 VAUXHALL ADAM
The 2018 VAUXHALL ADAM is a small family car with a 1398cc petrol engine. 10,351 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 78% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 36,563 miles at 8 years old, VAUXHALL ADAM owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 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 2018 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 86% 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 2018 VAUXHALL ADAM
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 10,351 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 VAUXHALL ADAM's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 86% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2016) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£347 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2016) | 81% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1572-£165 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £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
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
VAUXHALL MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2016 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2016 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2016 · 1596cc Petrol
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