2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9L Diesel · AF06 OBB

The most recent MOT test on 20 May 2026 resulted in a pass, which is the favourable outcome a buyer would hope to see, but the accompanying advisories should not be overlooked as they indicate areas of progressive wear that will require attention before the next annual test. The fact that the same vehicle failed just eleven days earlier on 9 May 2026 with a dangerous defect for rear brake pads being less than 1.5 mm thick demonstrates that significant consumable work was carried out in that intervening period to bring the vehicle up to standard. Looking at the wider trend, the advisory items over successive tests show a recurring theme around brake discs at the front and rear, oil leakage, deteriorating registration plates, and front suspension components including anti-roll bar linkages, ball joints, and track rod ends. This pattern suggests the maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than worsening, but with several wear items that have been flagged across multiple consecutive tests and which would reasonably be expected to progress further before the next MOT. The recorded mileage of 134,649 miles on a vehicle of approximately twenty years of age equates to around 6,732 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a van of this type and age, particularly one likely used for light commercial or mixed duties. There are no obvious anomalies in the mileage progression between tests, with consistent annual accumulation suggesting regular use rather than long periods of standing. That said, even at average annual mileage, a diesel Vivaro of this age will have covered significant distance over its service life, meaning high-wear components such as the dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, clutch, EGR valve, and diesel particulate filter should be considered candidates for attention. The relatively short intervals between some tests also indicate the vehicle is in active service, which is generally favourable for mechanical health as opposed to one that has been laid up for extended periods. Given the recurring advisories around front suspension components, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection of the front axle assembly. The advisories over consecutive years for anti-roll bar pins, bushes, and ball joints, the track rod end play recorded in 2024, and the suspension arm ball joint play from 2023 all point to wear in the front suspension that has been progressing gradually. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, and when turning at low speed, as these are classic symptoms of worn bushes, drop links, and anti-roll bar components. Also check for uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inside or outside shoulders, which would indicate worn suspension geometry components. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was recorded as excessively worn at the December 2021 test, which was a major failure at the time, so it would be prudent to confirm what remedial work was undertaken and to verify the current condition is sound. The brake-related advisories across multiple tests are a clear signal of ongoing wear in the braking system. The front discs were flagged as worn, pitted, and scored in 2021 and again in 2026, which strongly suggests they are now likely due for replacement alongside the pads, as pitted discs will accelerate pad wear and reduce braking efficiency. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which indicates disc warping, and check for any pulling to one side which could suggest a binding caliper. The oil leak advisory that has persisted from 2026 should be monitored closely; check the engine and undertray for fresh oil residue and verify the oil level on the dipstick before purchase, paying particular attention to the turbo, sump, and cam cover areas. Beyond the recorded defects, a twenty-year-old diesel van warrants age-related checks including the condition of the timing belt or chain service interval, coolant and brake fluid replacement given their time-based degradation cycles regardless of mileage, the condition of the 12V battery, and a thorough inspection of the rear load area, offside loading door, and tailgate hinges and struts given the earlier failure relating to the loading door securing. Exhaust system condition, including the DPF, catalytic converter, and rear silencer, should also be visually checked for corrosion and physical damage given the vehicle's prolonged service life.