Used Vauxhall Mokka X Buying Guide
The Vauxhall Mokka X was the facelifted version of the original Mokka, sold from 2016 to 2019 before the current, unrelated Mokka replaced it. It’s a compact crossover from the General Motors era of Vauxhall — no relation mechanically to today’s Peugeot-based cars — and on the used market it’s now firmly in affordable family-runabout territory. The appeal is straightforward: a high driving position, easy access for less mobile passengers, a decent kit count and prices that undercut equivalent Jukes and Capturs. It’s no driver’s car, but as low-cost, high-riding transport it makes a case.
Engines and trims
The volume engine is the 1.4-litre turbo petrol with around 140PS, available with manual or automatic gearboxes and, unusually for the class, an on-demand all-wheel-drive option on some versions. A basic 1.6 non-turbo petrol sat below it and feels underpowered — avoid unless the price truly reflects it. Diesels are the 1.6 CDTi in 110 and 136PS outputs, quiet by the standards of the day and the right choice only for genuinely high-mileage drivers.
Trim levels ran Active, Design Nav, Elite and Elite Nav, with Ultimate topping later cars. Design Nav and above brought navigation and Vauxhall’s IntelliLink touchscreen with smartphone mirroring; Elite adds leather. Kit was generous, so there’s little reason to settle for a poverty-spec car — heated seats and steering wheel appear on plusher versions and are worth seeking out. Note that Vauxhall’s OnStar connected-services system fitted to many cars has been switched off for years, so don’t pay extra for it.
What to check before buying
These are now ageing GM-era cars, so buy on condition and history. On the 1.4 turbo, check the coolant level and look for any traces of leaks or staining around the header tank and hoses — cooling-system niggles are a known talking point among owners — and make sure the temperature gauge behaves on a proper test drive. Listen for rattly cold starts and check for oil leaks around the engine.
On diesels, town-bound cars risk DPF and EGR trouble: watch for warning lights, laggy running and smoke under load. Automatics should shift without thumping or hesitation. All-wheel-drive versions are rare — confirm the system engages without warning lights and that tyres match. More generally: suspension bushes and drop links knock as these cars age, electric parking components and window regulators can play up, and interior trim marks easily, so use wear to sanity-check the mileage. A full service record and evidence of cambelt or chain-related maintenance appropriate to the engine is worth paying for.
Running costs
The 1.4 turbo returns middling economy — acceptable rather than impressive, and worse with all-wheel drive or the auto — while the 1.6 CDTi diesels are the frugal long-distance picks. Insurance groups are low-to-middling, servicing is cheap at any independent garage, and parts remain plentiful and inexpensive. Most examples fall under post-2017 flat-rate road tax or modest earlier bands. Budget a contingency for age-related wear items rather than big pattern failures.
Verdict
The Mokka X is honest, unfashionable value: a comfortable, well-equipped small crossover at bargain money. A 1.4T Design Nav or Elite with full history is the target; treat diesels as motorway tools only and check cooling systems carefully. Buy the best-kept one you can find rather than the cheapest.
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