VAUXHALL COMBO (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 8,183 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,825
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1248cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £1825/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1248cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 17 years old, 69% of VAUXHALL COMBOs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 8,183 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,545 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
121,545
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 VAUXHALL COMBO has 121,545 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2009 sits between the two at 69%.
VAUXHALL COMBO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 85% | 2,256 | 44,074 mi | |
| 2020 | 82% | 16,650 | 50,243 mi | |
| 2019 | 84% | 26,189 | 56,702 mi | |
| 2018 | 81% | 5,210 | 68,773 mi | |
| 2017 | 77% | 6,624 | 82,586 mi | |
| 2016 | 75% | 9,354 | 96,356 mi | |
| 2015 | 74% | 9,819 | 102,757 mi | |
| 2014 | 73% | 9,086 | 106,793 mi | |
| 2013 | 72% | 6,354 | 111,544 mi | |
| 2012 | 70% | 5,907 | 115,666 mi | |
| 2011 | 74% | 13,518 | 110,613 mi | |
| 2010 | 72% | 12,858 | 110,980 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 8,183 | 121,545 mi | |
| 2008 | 68% | 10,804 | 129,928 mi | |
| 2007 | 68% | 9,039 | 133,235 mi | |
| 2006 | 66% | 6,903 | 128,920 mi | |
| 2005 | 67% | 4,689 | 128,941 mi | |
| 2004 | 65% | 4,226 | 139,747 mi | |
| 2003 | 65% | 3,142 | 138,909 mi | |
| 2002 | 67% | 960 | 137,264 mi | |
| 2001 | 66% | 180 | 111,186 mi | |
| 2000 | 67% | 83 | 110,182 mi | |
| 1999 | 84% | 106 | 105,727 mi | |
| 1998 | 83% | 81 | 123,220 mi | |
| 1997 | 79% | 47 | 134,272 mi | |
| 1996 | 75% | 79 | 107,082 mi | |
| 1995 | 71% | 49 | 116,969 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 VAUXHALL COMBO
The 2009 VAUXHALL COMBO is a small family car with a 1248cc diesel engine. 8,183 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 86% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 121,545 miles at 17 years old, VAUXHALL COMBO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 VAUXHALL COMBO Fuel Costs
The 1248cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 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 COMBO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,825 (£152/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
VAUXHALL COMBO Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL COMBOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 VAUXHALL COMBO
At 17 years old, the VAUXHALL COMBO 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 85%. With 8,183 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 VAUXHALL COMBO'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 122k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 COMBO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL COMBO(2009) | 69% | £905 | £165 | Grp 8-20 | £1825 |
| FORD FIESTA(2009) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2009) | 73% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2011) | 76% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£230 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010) | 74% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1595-£230 |
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.
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FORD FIESTA
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VAUXHALL CORSA
2009 · 1248cc Diesel
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2011 · 1598cc Diesel
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