2017 VAUXHALL VIVARO1.6L Diesel

The Vauxhall Vivaro in question presents a clean MOT history over the past year, with the most recent test on 12 May 2025 at 157,587 miles passing without any defects. This follows a brief but puzzling anomaly in May 2024, where the vehicle failed twice within ten days—once on 2 May and again on 23 May—despite no recorded defects. The subsequent retest on 23 May 2024 passed immediately, suggesting the issue was either minor and easily rectified or a procedural oversight rather than a recurring mechanical problem. Since then, the trend has stabilised, with no further failures or advisories reported. The absence of defects in the last two tests indicates that, at present, the vehicle meets all DVSA roadworthiness standards for emissions, brakes, lights, and structural integrity. The mileage accumulation is notably high, averaging around 17,510 miles per year over its nine-year lifespan, which is above the typical range for a commercial van of this age. Between December 2022 and May 2024, the odometer rose from 133,430 to 156,170 miles—a gain of 22,740 miles in just over 17 months—before settling into a slower pace until the most recent test. This suggests periods of intensive use, likely contributing to wear on components such as suspension bushes, brake pads, and tyre tread. The gap between the 2022 failures and the 2024 retests also implies the vehicle was not tested for nearly two years, which is unusual for a commercial vehicle subject to annual MOTs. Buyers should verify whether this reflects genuine low-mileage periods or simply delayed testing. Given the lack of recorded defects, there are no obvious red flags in the MOT history to prioritise during a pre-purchase inspection. However, the high mileage justifies a thorough check of high-wear areas: suspension components, including coil springs and anti-roll bars, should be inspected for fatigue or corrosion, particularly at mounting points. The braking system—disc thickness, caliper operation, and pad wear—demands close attention, as does the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, especially given the van’s age and usage pattern. Tyre condition, including tread depth and sidewall integrity, should also be verified, as the mileage suggests they may be nearing replacement. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not eliminate the need for a hands-on inspection, particularly for items not routinely checked under MOT, such as fluid levels and drivetrain health.