What's the used Vauxhall Corsa like?
We’ve long been fans of the Vauxhall Corsa, going so far as to name it Car of the Year in 2007. This neat looking small hatchback makes even more sense as a used buy, because it suffers from heavy depreciation, so is cheaper than many rivals.
When it was first introduced we were particularly impressed by the interior fit and finish, space and ride comfort. That remains true as a used purchase, with the Corsa still feeling very much a modern car in these respects.
Given its huge sales, there are loads to choose from. Plus, Vauxhall offered a huge number of variants: everything from a 59bhp 1.0-litre petrol engine to a lap time-chasing VXR model with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and 202bhp in its most potent form
Ownership costs
What used Vauxhall Corsa will I get for my budget?
The Corsa is old enough for the earliest examples to have crept under the £1500 mark, so there’s plenty out there, regardless of your budget.
Closer to £2000 sees even greater choice, where you can afford to be picky and look for lower mileage, fewer owner examples.
The higher trim levels don’t attract too much of a premium, and there’s no real difference in prices between three and five-door models (the three-door actually has a bigger rear seat, even if access to it isn’t as good as in the five-door).
The cheapest VXRs are currently around £4,000, which is not much money for a lot of fun.
How much does it cost to run a used Vauxhall Corsa?
The Vauxhall Corsa is very competitive when it comes to running costs. That’s applicable to fuel consumption, road tax and consumables, which are all comparable with the very best of its rivals.
Likewise, the Corsa should be inexpensive to insure, while servicing can be undertaken by any local garage, meaning you can afford to shop around for the cheapest deals.
Advice for buyers
What should I look for in a used Vauxhall Corsa?
The youngest examples came with a three-year warranty. However, don’t think newer Corsas sold in the years when Vauxhall offered a 'lifetime' warranty will be covered, because this wasn’t transferrable between owners.
Be sure to buy a Corsa that’s been properly looked after, with a nice, fully stamped up service book. Check the log book to see who the first owner was, because lots were bought by fleets or run as hire cars, and these examples are more likely to have been abused by their drivers.
Also, if you're buying from a car supermarket, have the car checked over by a professional, because it may have been sitting idle for some time.
When you get inside the car, make sure the screen for the stereo works, because a replacement costs more than £300 (£900 if the optional sat-nav is fitted).
Check around the front bumper where it meets the bodywork, because the bumper can rub – particularly in the VXR – wearing through the paint and creating a spot where the car can start to rust.
What are the most common problems with a used Vauxhall Corsa?
The smallest petrol engines have weak cam belts, while the 1.6-litre turbo can crack its fourth piston and the 1.3-litre diesel can suffer starting problems; if you experience the latter problem, it’s worth having the glowplugs replaced, and this costs about £160.
The six-speed manual gearbox can be problematic; if there’s rattling then the bearings are worn and it’ll require a replacement. To prevent this happening, the gearbox requires its oil changed with every service.
Rear brake discs are known to seize due to a sticky hand brake linkage: replacement calipers are around £160.
Suspension top mounts are a common failure. Many need replacing within two to three years, or as little as 10,000 miles. Fortunately, they’re not expensive to fix, and the replacement parts seem to last much longer.
Is a used Vauxhall Corsa reliable?
While the Vauxhall Corsa isn’t without its problems, that’s true of most of its direct rivals, too. It also performs well when it comes to consumables.
Data from CAP Derwent suggests that the Corsa is better than average for electrics, bulbs, wiper blades, air conditioning servicing and brake discs, although it isn’t quite as good as some of its contemporaries when it comes to brake pad wear
Our recommendation
Which used Vauxhall Corsa should I buy?
If you're buying the car as an urban runaround, then one of the smaller petrol engines will suffice, although the 1.0 and 1.2-litre units do struggle beyond about 50mph.
The 1.4-litre unit is a better choice if you sometimes venture on to the motorway, while the 1.6-litre turbo is available in both range-topping VXR form and with 148bhp in the lively SRi model.
The 1.3-litre diesel is also worth considering, combining decent performance with excellent fuel economy. It was offered in 74bhp and 89bhp outputs, with the latter feeling usefully stronger. The extra 15bhp doesn’t dent economy too much, either, with both averaging more than 60mpg in official tests.
The 1.3-litre diesel is good enough for you not to bother with the larger 1.7-litre diesel, which doesn't achieve 60mpg.
Trim levels are extensive; we’d choose from Design up, although all Corsas come with central locking and a CD player (remember those?). Design has 16in alloy wheels, electric front windows, air conditioning, curtain airbags and, crucially if it’s a family buy, Isofix child seat mounts.
Our favourite used Vauxhall Corsa: 1.4 Design
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to the used Vauxhall Corsa?
The Vauxhall’s chief rival has long been the Ford Fiesta, so if you’re looking at the Corsa then it’s worth considering the Ford, too. It’s more enjoyable to drive, but the Corsa feels classier inside.
There’s a slew of Japanese rivals, including the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, while the Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia and VW Polo are also worth considering. However, we’d still be tempted by the value and all-round ability of the Corsa.
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