2017 Vauxhall Viva 1.0L Petrol · YR17 KKW

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, although three advisories were issued, which places the vehicle in a typical but slightly worn condition for its age. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable with a modest worsening of wear items over the past two cycles. The 2024 test included a Dangerous failure for a front tyre below the 1.6mm tread limit alongside a major defect for both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers, indicating that prior to 2025 the vehicle had been somewhat neglected in key safety areas. Since then, the 2025 and 2026 results have all passed with only advisory items, suggesting that remedial work has been carried out and the car is currently being maintained to an acceptable roadworthy standard, although the recurrence of suspension and tyre advisories indicates ongoing wear progression that should not be ignored. The recorded mileage of 72,134 miles over approximately nine years equates to an annual average of around 8,015 miles, which is broadly typical for a small city-focused vehicle such as the Vauxhall Viva. There are no significant gaps in the annual MOT pattern, and the mileage accumulation appears consistent and moderate, suggesting the car has been in regular use rather than left standing for long periods. This usage profile is broadly favourable, as it reduces the risk of standing-related deterioration such as seized brake calipers, perishing rubber components, and 12V battery degradation, although it does mean that wear-sensitive consumables have been subjected to normal service life demands consistent with the recorded mileage. The recurring advisories relating to the front and lower suspension arm pins and bushes warrant careful attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The 2026 advisory specifically notes cracking of the rear bush, and combined with the prior year noting worn lower arm bushes, this suggests progressive deterioration of the front suspension linkage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full steering lock manoeuvres, and feel for vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel. These bushes should be inspected for cracking, splitting, and excessive movement, and the anti-roll bar drop links and ball joints should be checked for play, particularly given the 2024 dust cover failure, which allowed dirt ingress and can accelerate joint wear. Replacement is relatively inexpensive but should not be deferred as it directly affects handling and tyre wear. The tyre-related advisories across multiple test cycles, including the 2024 Dangerous failure for sub-1.6mm tread and repeated edge wear findings, indicate that this vehicle may be subject to tracking misalignment, suspension geometry issues stemming from worn bushes, or simply uneven tyre rotation practices. The 2026 advisory also notes cracking and perishing of the rear tyres, which is an age-related degradation rather than a wear issue, and all four tyres should be inspected for sidewall condition regardless of tread depth. The front brake disc advisory from 2025 and the recurring front brake pad advisories suggest that braking components are nearing the end of their service life, so discs, pads, and caliper slide pins should be physically inspected for lipping, binding, and pad material thickness, with the test drive including firm brake applications from speed to check for any shudder, pull to one side, or sponginess. Additionally, given the 2025 advisory for a broken exhaust front mounting, the full exhaust system should be examined for security and corrosion, and for a vehicle of this age and mileage, it would also be prudent to verify the timing belt or chain service interval compliance, the condition and age of the coolant and brake fluid, and the health of the 12V battery, none of which are recorded within the MOT data but are essential items for a car of nine years standing.