2022 Vauxhall Combo 2000 Sportive TD 1.5L Diesel · FV22 NXA

The latest DVSA MOT test dated 14 May 2026 records a PASS with no defects recorded, indicating that on the day of examination the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements. It is worth noting, however, that a separate failure entry is recorded on the same date for the Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) being inoperative or indicating a malfunction under Section 8.2.1.2 (h). This suggests an issue was identified but subsequently rectified, or that a re-test was conducted and passed on the same day. The 2025 test passed with advisory notices on both front tyres for wear close to the legal limit and edge wear, a typical finding for a high-mileage commercial-derived van. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with the recorded defect being emissions or engine management related rather than structural or safety critical. With a recorded mileage of 70,913 miles over an approximate four-year span, this Vauxhall Combo is accumulating around 17,700 miles per year, which is considerably higher than the national average and consistent with commercial, fleet, or multi-driver use. This level of annual mileage will accelerate wear on all consumable and mechanical components, particularly the braking system, clutch, suspension, tyres, and drivetrain. Given the high usage, any gaps in the recorded MOT history should be scrutinised, as suppressed odometer readings or clocked mileage are a known risk in high-mileage light commercial vehicles. A service history verification and a check for consistent mileage progression between stamps is therefore essential. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the braking system given the heavy use profile, including measuring brake disc thickness and checking for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting, as well as inspecting pad material remaining and caliper slide pins for seizing or binding. Uneven tyre wear across an axle can indicate tracking, suspension geometry issues, or worn components such as wishbone bushes, drop links, or top mounts. The test drive should include driving over uneven road surfaces or speed humps at low speed to listen for clonking from suspension bushes, coil springs, or anti-roll bar links, as well as heavy braking at speed to detect any brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel, or pulling to one side which would suggest a seized caliper or warped disc. Beyond the recorded advisories, age and mileage appropriate checks should include a thorough inspection of all tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking, particularly on a vehicle that may have been lightly used between MOTs, as tyres degrade from UV exposure regardless of tread depth. The 12 volt battery should be tested for state of charge and cranking performance, as commercial vehicles often suffer short journey patterns that prevent full recharge. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should be confirmed as within their calendar-based service intervals, as these degrade with time even when the vehicle is stationary or lightly used. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for corrosion at mounting points, flexi-joint integrity, and any signs of diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, particularly given the recorded MIL illumination, which on a diesel can relate to DPF blockage, sensor failure, or EGR valve malfunction, all of which warrant a diagnostic scan before purchase.