Vauxhall Astra (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 92,988 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,600
£133/month
MOT Pass Rate
85%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
85% pass rate, £1,600/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
85% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Astras from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 92,988 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,472 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
67,472
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Vauxhall Astra had 67,472 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2016 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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
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About the 2016 Vauxhall Astra
The 2016 Vauxhall Astra is a city car. Our records list a 999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 92,988 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 67,472 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Astra owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 Vauxhall Astra Fuel Costs
The modest 999cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 Vauxhall Astra?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,600 (£133/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Vauxhall Astra Reliability Trend
Newer Vauxhall Astras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2016 Vauxhall Astra
At 10 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 92,988 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
What the 2016 Vauxhall Astra Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 14,847 MOT tests on the 2016 Vauxhall Astra that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Tyres46%
Same age: 26% (fails on this more often)
- Lights and electrics30%
Same age: 30%
- Brakes19%
Same age: 20%
- Suspension16%
Same age: 29% (fails on this less often)
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Vauxhall Astra reliability, common problems and years to avoid
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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 Astra stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Astra(2016) | 85% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600 |
| Ford Fiesta(2015) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600same |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2015) | 78% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£553 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2017) | 86% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780+£180 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2015) | 82% | £1,175 | £170 | Grp 5-15 | £1,750+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2016 Vauxhall Astra
Is the 2016 Vauxhall Astra reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2016 Vauxhall Astras ended in a pass, from 92,988 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Vauxhall Astra cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,600 a year (£133 a month): £1,175 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Vauxhall Astra?
85% of 92,988 MOT tests on the 2016 Vauxhall Astra ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 347th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom half).
Which year Vauxhall Astra has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Astra has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Vauxhall Astra?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Vauxhall Astra is 67,472 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
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Ford Fiesta
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Vauxhall Corsa
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
Nissan Qashqai
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