Buying a Vauxhall with the 1.2 PureTech Engine: What to Check

Which Vauxhalls use the 1.2 PureTech

Since joining the same group as Peugeot and Citroen, Vauxhall has used the 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol in many of its cars. You will find it in the Corsa F from 2019, the Grandland X, Crossland X and the newer Mokka, in non-turbo and 1.2 Turbo versions. It is a lively, economical engine, but it has one well-known weakness that anyone buying a used example should understand.

The wet belt issue

The PureTech drives its camshafts with a timing belt that runs in the engine oil. On some engines the belt breaks down early. Fragments end up in the sump and can block the oil pickup, leading to low oil pressure. On this engine, debris can also reach the vacuum pump that powers the brake servo, which can cause a brake assist warning and a hard pedal.

The recommended belt interval has been shortened, and it now depends on age as well as mileage. Before buying, find out whether the belt has been changed and when. If there is no record, factor the cost of a belt change into your offer.

Check the service history carefully

Because the belt lives in the oil, oil changes matter more on this engine than on most. Look for regular services at sensible intervals, ideally with invoices that show the correct oil specification. Long gaps between services or no paperwork are red flags.

Also ask whether the car has had any recall or manufacturer campaign work done. We can check the service history with you and look at what the car has had.

Oil consumption

Some 1.2 Turbo engines use more oil than they should. A car that is low on oil when you view it, or where the seller admits to topping up often, may be one of these. Low oil levels also speed up belt wear, so the two problems are linked.

Pull the dipstick when you view the car. If the level is low or the oil looks very dark and thick, be cautious.

What to look and listen for on a test drive

Check for any warning lights, especially oil pressure, engine management and brake warnings. Listen for rattles on start-up. Make sure the brake pedal feels firm and consistent. If the car has a stop-start system, check that it works, as a weak battery or other faults can stop it.

Owning one already?

If you already own a Vauxhall with this engine, the same advice applies. Keep to the service schedule with the correct oil, check the dipstick every few weeks and do not ignore an oil pressure or brake warning. If the belt change is coming up, book it in rather than waiting for a symptom, because by the time a warning appears the damage may already have started.

Get a check before you buy

A PureTech that has been looked after, with the belt done on time and the right oil used, can be a good car. One with an unknown history can turn into an expensive project. At ER Automotive in Smethwick we can check the belt condition, the oil and the service history before you commit. Call 0121 461 6097 or book online.