Vauxhall Combo (2018)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,210 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,824

£152/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1248cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £1,824/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel1248cc8 years old5,210 tests69k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1248cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Standard rate (from April 2017)

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,824

Per month£152/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

81% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Combos from 2018 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 6 years old. That's based on 5,210 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 68,773 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 models562nd of 607(bottom 8%)

Rank among Vauxhall models567th of 870(bottom half)

vs average of all models-1%(82% avg)

vs 2018 models average-8%(89% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-3%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

68,773

Average miles

44,400

Expected for age

The average 2018 Vauxhall Combo had 68,773 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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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 85%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2018 scores 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+10%

Ford Focus

2019 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

+8%

Mercedes A

2019 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+10%

Mercedes A-Class

2017 · 1461cc Diesel

£1,824/year

88%

+7%

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About the 2018 Vauxhall Combo

The 2018 Vauxhall Combo is a small family car. Our records list a 1248cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,210 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 8% of 2018 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 68,773 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Combo owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2018 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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2018 Vauxhall Combo?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,824 (£152/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Vauxhall Combo Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Combos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2018 Vauxhall Combo

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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. With 5,210 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2018 Vauxhall Combo Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 972 MOT tests on the 2018 Vauxhall Combo that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics47%
Same age: 27% (fails on this more often)
Suspension32%
Same age: 20% (fails on this more often)
Exhaust, emissions and leaks21%
Same age: 8.7% (fails on this more often)
Tyres20%
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 Combo 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock 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 risk

Always 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 Combo 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 Combo(2018)	81%	£1,219	£200	Grp 8-20	£1,824
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Ford Focus(2019)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same
Mercedes A(2019)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£150
Mercedes A-Class(2017)	88%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824same

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 2018 Vauxhall Combo

Is the 2018 Vauxhall Combo reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of MOT tests on 2018 Vauxhall Combos ended in a pass, from 5,210 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2018 Vauxhall Combo cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,824 a year (£152 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 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 2018 Vauxhall Combo?

81% of 5,210 MOT tests on the 2018 Vauxhall Combo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 562nd of 607 models first registered in 2018 (bottom 8%).

Which year Vauxhall Combo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Combo has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2003 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2018 Vauxhall Combo?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2018 Vauxhall Combo is 68,773 miles, which is well above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.