2020 Vauxhall Combo Life Energy S/S Auto 1.2L Petrol · ST70 AAK

The defining mechanical story of this 2020 Vauxhall Combo Life is a recent escalation of tyre-related defects after two entirely clean annual examinations. The earliest recorded tests in July 2023 and March 2024 returned no advisories at all, but the vehicle then received a Dangerous failure on 7 July 2023 for a nearside front tyre with exposed ply or cords and tread below the legal 1.6mm limit, followed by advisories at the 2025 and 2026 tests for an offside rear tyre worn close to the limit and an offside front tyre with slight tread damage. A brake pad advisory on the front axle and a minor registration plate lamp defect were also flagged at the most recent pass on 3 March 2026, alongside an engine oil leak recorded as not excessive in March 2025. The overall trend is therefore one of deteriorating consumable condition in the latter portion of the record, with braking and tyre wear now being the principal areas of attention. Annual mileage of around 11,500 miles is broadly average for a six year old MPV of this type, which suggests moderate rather than light or heavy use. There are no significant gaps between tests that would indicate a prolonged period off the road, and no recorded mileage anomalies that would warrant particular suspicion. Mechanically, this level of use is consistent with steady wear on friction items such as brake pads and discs, tyres, and suspension components, and the history does not point to either the neglect associated with very high mileage accumulation or the corrosion risks sometimes seen on vehicles that have stood unused for extended periods. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the tyres, given that two of the last three tests have flagged premature wear or damage. On a physical walk around, check the tread depth across the full width of all four tyres, not just the central grooves, as the dangerous failure specifically concerned ply exposure close to the outer edge, indicating uneven shoulder wear. Uneven tyre wear across an axle on a vehicle of this age and mileage can point to misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs, so it is worth inspecting the sidewalls for cracking and confirming that all four tyres are of matching type and age. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and rough surfaces, and pay attention to any steering pull or wander that could indicate worn track rod ends or drop links. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at the March 2026 test, so a thorough pre-purchase check should include direct visual inspection of pad material thickness through the wheel spokes, ideally with the wheels removed for a proper assessment of disc wear, lipping, and any binding caliper action. On a test drive, expect a firm, progressive pedal feel without excessive travel, judder under braking, or any pulling to one side that could indicate a seizing caliper or uneven pad wear. The oil leak recorded in 2025 should be traced to its source, most commonly the cam cover gasket or oil filter housing on this generation of engine, by inspecting the lower block, sump, and surrounding ancillaries for fresh residue. Finally, confirm that the nearside rear registration plate lamp has been rectified, as this was still flagged as a minor defect at the most recent test, and verify the operation of all interior and exterior lighting during a walk around.