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VAUXHALL SIGNUM (2005)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 382 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2198cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol2198cc21 years old382 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2198cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2198cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/wk

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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.

At 21 years old, 73% of VAUXHALL SIGNUMs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 382 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 124,763 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars297th of 526(top 56%)
Rank among VAUXHALL models716th of 882(top 81%)
vs national average-9%(82% avg)
vs 2005 cars average+1%(72% avg)
vs VAUXHALL average-11%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,763

Average miles

vs

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM has 124,763 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2005 sits between the two at 73%.

VAUXHALL SIGNUM by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200863%63130,218 mi
200771%538128,236 mi
200674%832124,339 mi
200573%382124,763 mi
200467%307121,492 mi
200377%111111,342 mi

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About the 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM

The 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM is a family car with a 2198cc petrol engine. 382 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 124,763 miles at 21 years old, VAUXHALL SIGNUM owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM Fuel Costs

The 2198cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VAUXHALL SIGNUM Reliability Trend

The VAUXHALL SIGNUM has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM

At 21 years old, the VAUXHALL SIGNUM 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 21 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 125k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2005 VAUXHALL SIGNUM stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
VAUXHALL SIGNUM(2005)73%£1592£430Grp 25-38£2577
BMW 3 SERIES(2007)80%£1327£135Grp 18-32£1867-£710
RENAULT CLIO(2007)68%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217-£360
TOYOTA YARIS(2007)75%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£560
AUDI A4(2007)77%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£560

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.

Related Guides

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