Vauxhall Used Cars- Safety Features to Look for and Recalls That Could Affect the MOT

When on the hunt for Vauxhall used cars, there are certain features that every buyer looks for. At the top of that list? Safety features. Fortunately, the number safety features offered by auto-makers today is growing, and you can get many of these features in used and pre-owned models.

But what exactly should you look for? Aside from quality car parts and a high Euro NCAP rating, some of the main safety features offered for cars today are as follows.

Safety Features and Your Used Vauxhall

• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)- This system is a main safety feature you don't want to go without. The system prevents drivers from losing control of the vehicle when a sudden skid or manoeuvre occurs. This can keep you from being involved in an accident and can actually save your life.

• Lane-Keeping- Whether you're tired after driving home from a long day at work or the kids are fighting in the back seat, lane-keeping technology systems are what you need to ensure you stay where you are supposed to on the road. While similar systems in Citroen, Ford, Accord, and Honda vehicles vibrate your seat or steering wheel, Vauxhall's system takes both an active and passive approach to warning you of the danger. If you cross into another lane, a signal will come on via the instrument panel on your dash and an audible warning will sound.

• Speed Limits- For years, we've all become used to using cruise control in our cars to prevent us from going over the speed limit while on the motorway. These days though, speed limiting devices have evolved. Now you can actually set a max speed for your car so you don't ever accidentally go over it.

• Visibility Aids- It might come as quite a shock that visibility isn't one of the first safety features considered in recently made cars. The truth is, though, manufacturers are much more concerned with making the cabin stronger to prevent injuries and death in serious crashes. This, however, does nothing for visibility from the driver's seat. Luckily, they've thought of that as well and created electronic devices that help to aid visibility when you can't see. These safety features can prevent you from hitting other objects, help you park, and help you identify speed limit signs along the motorway.

• Automatic Braking Systems- You've been there. You're cell phone is ringing, the kids are screaming, or maybe your coffee spills. You take your eyes off the road for just one second, and by the time you look up, you barely have enough time to stomp on the brakes to keep from colliding into someone. Or worse- you don't look up fast enough. Today's technology has solved that too. With the use of radar and cameras, automatic braking has become a very cool safety feature available in most cars today. The way it works is the car senses or 'sees' danger ahead and automatically brakes for you so you can avoid any collision.

• Active Headlights- Basic headlamps have additional lights that come on when you go around a corner. This provides you with the light you need to see properly. In more sophisticated systems, like that of the Vauxhall Mokka, assistance gets even better. With the help of the camera system in the Vauxhall, the headlamps automatically change from dipped to high beam as soon as oncoming traffic is 'seen.' This can not only save you time, but prevents you from becoming distracted by doing this manually.

Further Safety Concerns in Vauxhall Used Cars

While the best safety features may be what you're looking for, there are other considerations you must think about before you buy a Vauxhall if you truly want it to be safe, like recalls. Keep in mind that just because a recall was made a year or even five years ago doesn't mean the previous owner did anything about it. While most recalls would make it difficult, if not impossible, for the car to pass the MOT, the recall may have been made after the last MOT took place.

Luckily, the Government has done quite a bit of research for you so you can determine whether the used car you're think of buying has any questionable Vauxhall parts. Some of the most recent recalls issued for Vauxhall are:

• The Vauxhall Corsa, Tigra, and Combo- In January of 2005, a recall was issued for models built in 1999 and 2000. The recall was due to a seat belt locking mechanism being faulty for the driver and front passenger of the vehicle.

• The Vauxhall Corsa D- This model has had several issues over the years. A recall in 2008 and 2014 for potential steering problems for models that were registered between 2006 and 2007 and for models build in February 2014. Possible handbrake cable faults were also an issue in 2010, and a potential fault that could affect driving stability was the cause of a recall in 2007.

• Vauxhall Adam and Corsavan- These vehicles were issued a recall in September of 2014 for a possible steering issue on vehicles built during and after February of 2014.

In most cases, having car parts fixed after they have been recalled is free and provided by the manufacturer. Not all sellers take advantage of this offer, though, and it may expire after a certain amount of time. In fact, if the car is more than 10 years old, manufacturers are not required by law to remedy the problem. As a buyer, it's important that you do your research and ask questions of the buyer. Ask for proof that the car was sent in and new Vauxhall parts replaced the faulty ones. Make sure the car is MOT sound before you buy it, or do the calculations and determine if you'll be able to afford to make it MOT sound after the purchase. Remember, your safety is on the line.

When you're buying used Vauxhall cars, knowing what to look for when it comes to safety can help you make the best decision possible. Look for features you know will keep your family secure, do your research about recalled car parts, and know what you'll have to invest into the car to ensure all Vauxhall parts are working the way they should be. This will help to ensure you make the right decision.