2018 Vauxhall Viva 1.0L Petrol · PN18 AEF

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance profile, showing a recent decline in mechanical compliance despite a clean history in previous years. While the most recent test on 7 May 2026 at 15,205 miles resulted in a pass, this followed a failure just two days earlier at 15,173 miles. That failure highlighted several significant issues, including a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber, incorrect headlamp aim on both front lamps, and exhaust emissions exceeding specified limits during the lambda test. The sudden appearance of these faults suggests a period of neglect or a lack of preventative maintenance following a long period of clean passes. The vehicle's mileage is exceptionally low for an eight-year-old car, averaging roughly 1,900 miles per year. The records show a steady, slow accumulation of distance, moving from 7,556 miles in March 2021 to 15,205 miles in May 2026. This pattern indicates infrequent use, which often leads to specific types of wear. The 2024 test at 12,045 miles flagged both rear tyres for cracking and perishing, a classic symptom of rubber degradation caused by long periods of standing rather than high-speed driving. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension system and the exhaust setup. The recent shock absorber leak is a primary concern, and any signs of further weeping or uneven tyre wear should be checked to ensure the replacement was effective. The failure regarding exhaust emissions requires verification that the engine is running efficiently and that the lambda sensor and catalytic converter are functioning correctly. Given the history of tyre perishing in 2022 and 2024, the current condition of all rubber components, including belts and hoses, warrants close scrutiny to ensure age-related degradation has not been overlooked.