VAUXHALL VIVA (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 21,131 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,380
£115/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
999cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £1380/year to run. 5 points above average.
Check a specific VAUXHALL VIVA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 999cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this VAUXHALL VIVA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 87% of VAUXHALL VIVAs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 21,131 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 43,128 miles.
Got a VAUXHALL VIVA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
43,128
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA has 43,128 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Looking at a specific VAUXHALL VIVA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 84%. The 2016 sits between the two at 87%.
VAUXHALL VIVA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Vauxhall Viva
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA
The 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA is a city car with a 999cc petrol engine. 21,131 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 43,128 miles at 10 years old, VAUXHALL VIVA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 VAUXHALL VIVA 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 £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,380 (£115/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL VIVA Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL VIVAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA
At 10 years old, the VAUXHALL VIVA 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 21,131 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 VAUXHALL VIVA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 VIVA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL VIVA(2016) | 87% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1380 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390+£10 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£342 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550+£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390+£10 |
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.
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
VAUXHALL MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2017 · 1200cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Vauxhall Viva.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Buying Guide15 Best First Cars for New Drivers UK 2026: Ranked by True Cost
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific VAUXHALL VIVA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a VAUXHALL VIVA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data