VAUXHALL VIVARO (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 46 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,655
£138/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1655/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 5 years old, 72% of VAUXHALL VIVAROs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 46 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 45,587 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
45,587
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VAUXHALL VIVARO has 45,587 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2021 sits between the two at 72%.
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
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About the 2021 VAUXHALL VIVARO
The 2021 VAUXHALL VIVARO is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 46 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 45,587 miles at 5 years old, VAUXHALL VIVARO owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2021 VAUXHALL VIVARO 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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 VIVARO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,655 (£138/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VAUXHALL VIVARO Reliability Trend
Newer VAUXHALL VIVAROs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 VAUXHALL VIVARO
At 5 years old, the VAUXHALL VIVARO 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 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 VAUXHALL VIVARO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 VIVARO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL VIVARO(2021) | 72% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1655 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£155 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£305 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£173 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£155 |
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 FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
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