Used Vauxhall Mokka Review

The Vauxhall Mokka was first launched in 2013, and despite its styling, which is not universally popular, it has been a huge success, racking up sales of over 500,000 units and bringing Vauxhall a healthy portion of the lucrative compact SUV market. And these sales are not just by chance. The Mokka has found its way onto the driveways and into the garages of the UK for a good reason - it’s a cracking car. 

This fine compact crossover is excellent value, with its bumper sales figures meaning there are loads of used Vauxhall Mokkas for sale at a bargain price. It’s also very practical, has economical and reliable engines and offers impressive standard equipment levels.

How does it look?

Over the years, there have been three iterations of the Vauxhall Mokka. The original Mk1 Mokka (2012- 2016), an updated version known as the Mokka X (2016-2020), and the all-new Mk2 Mokka (2021-present). 

The earliest Mokkas looked exactly how you’d expect a Vauxhall SUV to look - basically a bigger Corsa with some SUV styling. The 2016 facelift brought changes to the front and rear, with a redesigned dashboard and a new moniker - the Mokka X. The latest Mokka is entirely new, featuring futuristic design elements such as slim LED brake light clusters and a different roof colour on most trim levels that give it the look of a concept car. 

Although the Mokka’s styling has been quite divisive, we think all iterations are quite smart, with a chiselled, pumped-up appearance and an upright stance. On the inside, the Mokka is an example of function over form. Everything is well enough put together but it lacks any real sense of style. That said, the equipment levels are impressive and everything is easy to find.  

What’s it like to drive?

If you’re in the market for a used Vauxhall Mokka, you can expect a car that’s easy to drive with an adjustable seat and steering wheel so you’ll always find a comfortable position. The steering feels light and the soft suspension does a good job of absorbing the bumps at higher speeds. 

However, it’s not all good news. All iterations of the Mokka are a little dull to drive, with uncommunicative handling and some body lean as you navigate the corners. There’s also a fair bit of road and wind noise to endure, all of which means a used Vauxhall Mokka, despite being excellent value, is not a match for some of its rivals when it comes to the fun factor. 

But while the driving experience is not scintillating, the practicality of the Mokka more than makes up for it. There’s plenty of space to keep two adults happy in the back on long journeys and a middle seat that can easily accommodate a third adult on shorter trips. There’s also a good-size boot that’s spacious and accessible.   

Are used Vauxhall Mokkas reliable?

When shopping around for a used Mooka or Mokka X for sale, reliability is not something you need to worry too much about. You should always carry out basic checks and ensure all the electric features are working properly. However, all iterations of the Mokka perform well in reliability tests, although the petrol versions generally do slightly better than the diesels.

Which is the best used Vauxhall Mokka to buy?

If you’re looking for a used Mk1 Mokka (pre-2016) or Mokka X (2016-2020) and do a lot of mileage, the 1.6 CDTi is probably the way to go. If you cover fewer miles and want something that’ll drive smoothly around the towns and local roads, we think the 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine is your best bet. 

Spec-wise, the Mk1 initially came with S, Exclusiv and SE trim lines, as well as the later Tech Line. Of those, the Exclusiv adds electric windows, dual climate control and front and rear parking sensors to the good level of standard equipment on the S. The Mokka X also introduced a Design Nav trim, which has an upgraded infotainment system and that all-important sat-nav, and is cheaper than the really high-spec versions. 

If your budget will stretch to a used Mokka Mk2 (2021-present) then you’ll have a new range of engines to consider. There are two 1.2-litre petrol engines, a 99bhp and a 128bhp. There’s also a 1.5-litre diesel for motorway drivers and a pure-electric Mokka-e. Of these, the 128bhp 1.2 petrol engine is probably the pick, unless you want to switch to electric. 

When it comes to the spec, the Mk2 Mokka trims include an SE, SRi, Elite Nav and range-topping Ulitmate Nav. The entry-level SE includes most of the basics you’ll need. If you want a few extras, the Elite Nav adds electronic climate control, automatic windscreen wipers, heated front seats, sat nav and a rear-view camera. 

How much is a used Vauxhall Mokka?

Mk1 used Vauxhall Mokkas start at around £5,000, although you’ll need to spend £6,500 or more to get an average mileage model with a full service history. A more recent Mk1 Mokka with the 1.4 turbocharged engine will cost you upwards of £8,000, which is also the starting price for an early Mokka X. Spend £9,000 on a Mokka X to get a low-mileage car in good condition, while £10,500 will buy you a 2018 example. Expect to pay £11,500-plus for a 2019 Mokka X. 

For a low mileage 2021 Mokka Mk2, you’re looking at a starting price of around £20,000 rising to £25,000 or more for a nearly new 2022 model.

Are you on the look out for a used Vauxhall? Take a look at Tangelo's current Vauxhall Mokka stock and get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable sales team to book an appointment or a test drive at our Exeter Customer Hub.