2001 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9L Diesel · EF51 BEU
2001 Vauxhall Vivaro (1.9L, diesel). First registered 24 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 129,374 miles. MOT expired on 13 Nov 2023.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL VIVARO
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Nov 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 129,374 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EF51 BEU Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/11/2022
- 129,374 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EF51 BEU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Vauxhall Vivaro (EF51 BEU) between November 2022 and November 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 November 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”.
EF51 BEU Mileage History
- 14/11/2022129,374 mi
- 14/11/2022129,374 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Caution is advised for this older Vivaro; while the mileage is relatively low for its age, a recurring history of suspension failures and recent safety defects suggests it may require significant mechanical attention soon.
When inspecting a Vivaro of this era, prioritize the condition of the front suspension. This specific vehicle has a documented history of issues with suspension arm ball joints and track rod ends appearing in 2013, 2019, 2022, and 2022. Ensure the current owner has replaced these parts recently, as the 'slight play' noted in the 2022 advisory suggests they are nearing failure again.
Check the service history specifically for the airbag light issue that was flagged in 2012. You need to verify if this was diagnosed and repaired, as an active airbag fault is a significant safety and MOT concern. Given the age of the vehicle, also check for rust on the sills and wheel arches, which are common death points for this generation of van not explicitly detailed in the MOT advisories.
The 1.8L diesel engine is generally economical for a van, but expect higher fuel consumption compared to modern Euro 6 equivalents. Tax for this older registration is typically relatively low, but insurance groups can vary significantly depending on your location and driving history.
Maintenance costs will be influenced by the age of the vehicle; parts like suspension components, bushes, and exhausts may require frequent replacement. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £1,200-£1,500, depending on your annual mileage and the necessity of unforeseen mechanical repairs.
Focus your inspection on the front end geometry. The MOT history shows multiple failures and advisories regarding the front suspension arm ball joints and track rod ends. Take the van for a test drive and listen for knocks or clunking when going over uneven surfaces, which would confirm the 'play' mentioned in the latest test.
Examine the windscreen and lighting thoroughly. This vehicle previously failed in 2021 for a dangerous windscreen condition affecting visibility; ensure there are no cracks or chips in the swept area. Additionally, check the dashboard for any illuminated warning lights, specifically the airbag light which was recorded in 2012, to ensure it has been properly addressed.
This 2001 Vauxhall Vivaro has covered approximately 129,374 miles, which is modest for a 25-year-old vehicle. While it passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a persistent pattern of front suspension wear, specifically ball joints and arms. The vehicle has also faced significant safety failures, including a dangerous windscreen and an airbag warning light, indicating a history of inconsistent maintenance over the years.
The early-generation Vauxhall Vivaro is known for being a basic workhorse but is prone to age-related suspension wear and electrical sensor issues.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (EF51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as EF51BEU.
CITROEN
XSARA
CITROEN
XSARA
CITROEN
BERLINGO
CITROEN
C5
PEUGEOT
206
VAUXHALL
CORSA
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
VAUXHALL
AGILA
RENAULT
CLIO
FORD
TRANSIT
FIAT
SEICENTO
ALFA ROMEO
156
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.