Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S (2021)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,974
£165/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1,974/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.
76% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/Ss from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 22,769 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
22,769
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S had 22,769 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 83%. The 2021 scores 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S
The 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S is a small family car. Our records list a 1499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 1% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 22,769 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S Fuel Costs
The 1499cc 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 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,974 (£165/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S
At 5 years old, the Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S 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 Life Energy Turbo D S/S(2021) | 76% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,974 |
| Ford Focus(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£150 |
| Mercedes A(2019) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£300 |
| Ford Kuga(2019) | 91% | £1,397 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £1,852-£122 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2019) | 89% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£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 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S
Is the 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/Ss ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,974 a year (£165 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S?
76% of 33 MOT tests on the 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 3315th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 1%).
Which year Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2019 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy Turbo D S/S is 22,769 miles, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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