2013 Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0L Diesel · A29 WJG

A 2013 Vauxhall Vivaro carrying 109,112 miles presents a mixed but broadly stable mechanical picture based on two recorded DVSA tests. The most recent examination on 28 May 2026 returned a pass, but the tester logged three advisories that warrant careful attention at this stage of the vehicle's life. A clean pass with no defects was recorded at the previous test on 30 May 2025, suggesting the front suspension wear now being flagged is a relatively recent development rather than a long-standing condition. The presence of anti-roll bar D-bush wear on both sides alongside a slight play in the nearside front inner track rod end indicates progressive deterioration of the front suspension and steering linkage, which is consistent with the high mileage this commercial vehicle has accumulated. The pattern is one of an ageing light commercial vehicle that remains roadworthy on test but is beginning to show the typical wear points associated with a working van of its age and duty cycle. Against a 13-year age bracket, the recorded mileage of 109,112 works out at roughly 8,393 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal range for a Vivaro of this generation, many of which are used for mixed commercial and private duties. There are no anomalous mileage jumps or extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road or an inconsistent odometer reading. This steady, average-rate usage is generally favourable mechanically, as it avoids the two extremes of severe low-mileage degradation from standing and accelerated wear from exceptionally high annual mileages. However, it does mean that consumable components such as brake discs, pads, clutch, and suspension bushes have all been worked consistently throughout the vehicle's life and will continue to require attention. For a prospective buyer, the front-end advisories should be the primary focus of any inspection. The D-bushes on both anti-roll bar linkages are a known wear item on this model, and although the tester judged movement not yet excessive, on a test drive you should listen for clonks or rattles from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres. A slight delay or vagueness in steering response, or a faint knocking sensation through the steering wheel over bumps, would indicate the bush wear has progressed beyond advisory level. The inner track rod end play flagged on the nearside is particularly worth scrutinising; with the vehicle stationary and the engine off, attempt to rock each front wheel at the top and bottom while feeling for free play transmitted through the steering, and during the test drive pay attention to any uneven tyre wear on the nearside front, wandering at speed, or a reluctance to self-centre after cornering. Beyond the recorded advisories, a van of this age and mileage warrants a thorough physical inspection of the areas not fully covered by the MOT test. Check the rear brake discs and shoes for wear, as commercial vehicles often suffer rear brake corrosion from light use under load, and inspect the underside for any oil leaks from the engine sump, power steering rack, or gearbox seals which become more prevalent at this mileage band. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at the joints and mounting rubber, and verify that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping under load or juddering on engagement. The sliding side door mechanism and rear barn doors should be checked for smooth operation, as the rollers and guides are prone to wear. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps illuminate correctly, the air conditioning functions, and that there are no persistent dashboard warning lights, as electronic gremlins can develop in the cabin control modules of older Vivaros.