Vauxhall Vivaro (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 12,438 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1870cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,427/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel1870cc21 years old12,438 tests156k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1870cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/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.

Reliability Verdict

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

68% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vivaros from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 12,438 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 155,550 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models395th of 504(bottom 22%)

Rank among Vauxhall models809th of 870(bottom 8%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-16%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

155,550

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro had 155,550 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2002 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2005 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Vivaro by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	72%	46	45,587 mi
2020	88%	110	64,426 mi
2019	80%	10,390	73,912 mi
2018	78%	21,445	80,253 mi
2017	75%	23,658	92,795 mi
2016	75%	36,778	98,379 mi
2015	74%	43,156	111,832 mi
2014	72%	25,467	120,046 mi
2013	70%	20,902	134,523 mi
2012	69%	18,679	140,447 mi
2011	68%	22,513	146,048 mi
2010	67%	13,971	150,285 mi
2009	68%	8,688	148,183 mi
2008	68%	18,188	155,883 mi
2007	68%	18,054	152,481 mi
2006	67%	15,910	153,447 mi
2005	68%	12,438	155,550 mi
2004	67%	8,241	159,253 mi
2003	67%	4,409	160,741 mi
2002	67%	1,580	157,468 mi
2001	73%	153	157,483 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

2007 · 2370cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+7%

Ford Transit Connect

2007 · 1753cc Diesel

£2,427/year

67%

-1%

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About the 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro

The 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro is a van. Our records list a 1870cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 12,438 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 22% of 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 155,550 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Vivaro owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 Vauxhall Vivaro Fuel Costs

The 1870cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Vauxhall Vivaro Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Vivaros pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro

At 21 years old, the Vauxhall Vivaro 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. With 12,438 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 2,393 MOT tests on the 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

Lights and electrics57%
Same age: 50%
Suspension53%
Same age: 40% (fails on this more often)
Brakes43%
Same age: 30% (fails on this more often)
Steering21%
Same age: 9.2% (fails on this more often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Vauxhall Vivaro reliability and common problems

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.

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.

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 156k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 Vivaro 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 Vivaro(2005)	68%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427
Volkswagen Transporter(2007)	75%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641+£214
Ford Transit Connect(2007)	67%	£1,397	£275	n/a	£2,427same

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 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro

Is the 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2005 Vauxhall Vivaros ended in a pass, from 12,438 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,427 a year (£202 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro?

68% of 12,438 MOT tests on the 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 395th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 22%).

Which year Vauxhall Vivaro has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2002 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Vauxhall Vivaro is 155,550 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.