VAUXHALL ASTRA (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 70,480 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,857
£155/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1686cc Diesel
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 10 points below average.
Check a specific VAUXHALL ASTRA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1686cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this VAUXHALL ASTRA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 17 years old, 72% of VAUXHALL ASTRAs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 70,480 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,723 miles.
Got a VAUXHALL ASTRA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
103,723
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA has 103,723 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific VAUXHALL ASTRA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2009 sits between the two at 72%.
VAUXHALL ASTRA by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 2,970 | 27,427 mi | |
| 2020 | 92% | 4,475 | 26,991 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 33,060 | 42,098 mi | |
| 2018 | 87% | 51,686 | 52,807 mi | |
| 2017 | 87% | 75,171 | 60,945 mi | |
| 2016 | 85% | 92,988 | 67,472 mi | |
| 2015 | 80% | 81,105 | 75,336 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 90,897 | 83,696 mi | |
| 2013 | 79% | 101,969 | 92,423 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 91,949 | 99,582 mi | |
| 2011 | 76% | 80,762 | 103,274 mi | |
| 2010 | 74% | 92,611 | 101,930 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 70,480 | 103,723 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 73,447 | 110,589 mi | |
| 2007 | 71% | 71,923 | 112,772 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 44,771 | 110,721 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 29,377 | 109,353 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 15,813 | 105,208 mi | |
| 2003 | 72% | 13,965 | 107,198 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 10,704 | 106,657 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 5,902 | 102,050 mi | |
| 2000 | 70% | 3,065 | 102,733 mi | |
| 1999 | 69% | 3,316 | 102,882 mi | |
| 1998 | 70% | 1,873 | 95,727 mi | |
| 1997 | 71% | 1,790 | 90,370 mi | |
| 1996 | 72% | 988 | 94,211 mi | |
| 1995 | 74% | 1,055 | 96,905 mi | |
| 1994 | 77% | 750 | 95,369 mi | |
| 1993 | 77% | 540 | 96,579 mi | |
| 1992 | 84% | 207 | 90,202 mi | |
| 1991 | 89% | 290 | 82,574 mi | |
| 1990 | 86% | 293 | 81,120 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Vauxhall Astra
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA
The 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA is a family car with a 1686cc diesel engine. 70,480 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 103,723 miles at 17 years old, VAUXHALL ASTRA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA Fuel Costs
The 1686cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL ASTRA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL ASTRAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA
At 17 years old, the VAUXHALL ASTRA 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 70,480 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 104k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
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 2009 VAUXHALL ASTRA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2009) | 72% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1857 |
| FORD FIESTA(2009) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£367 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011) | 78% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£367 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£262 |
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 MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA
2015 · 1956cc Diesel
FORD FIESTA
2009 · 1398cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2011 · 1896cc Diesel
VAUXHALL CORSA
2009 · 1248cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Vauxhall Astra.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific VAUXHALL ASTRA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a VAUXHALL ASTRA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data