2009 Vauxhall Combo 1.7L Diesel · D10 JAM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 October 2025, was passed with a single advisory noting that items had been removed from the driver’s view prior to the test. This follows two consecutive passes in 2023 and 2024 with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle’s condition has stabilised since the serious failures recorded in August 2022. The 2022 failures – a parking‑brake efficiency shortfall, a leaking off‑side front shock absorber, and an excessively corroded off‑side rear brake pipe – appear to have been remedied, as no further defects have been logged in the subsequent examinations. At 140,743 miles on a 2009 model the average annual distance works out at roughly 8,300 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a light commercial van of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would suggest severe over‑use of the power‑train, nor are there large gaps that would imply the vehicle has spent extended periods idle. The mileage therefore points to a balanced pattern of use, with the attendant wear expected on consumables such as tyres, brake components, and suspension bushings. Prospective buyers should confirm that the parking‑brake now meets the required holding force by applying the handbrake on a slight incline and checking for slippage. A functional test of the rear braking system is advisable; the pedal should feel firm without a spongy or low‑travel sensation, and there should be no pulling to one side, which could indicate lingering pipe corrosion or uneven caliper operation. The front shock absorbers must be inspected for any fresh fluid seepage around the damper heads and for smooth operation when pressing down on each wheel – any clunk or excessive bounce would suggest the previous leak has recurred. Tyre tread depth should be measured on all four wheels to ensure the previous edge‑wear advisories have been fully addressed, and the sidewalls examined for cracking or dry‑rot, a common issue on vehicles that have spent long periods standing. Finally, a thorough visual check of the brake lines, especially the off‑side rear pipe, for rust or pitting is prudent, as corrosion can re‑appear under harsh winter conditions. Given the vehicle’s seventeen‑year age, time‑based maintenance is as important as mileage‑based wear. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for swollen cells or excessive leakage, and consider a load test if the battery is more than three years old. Inspect the brake discs for surface scoring, rust spots, or glazing, and ensure the pads have adequate thickness. Examine the suspension bushings and coil springs for signs of corrosion or cracking, particularly at the front lower arms where the previous shock issue was noted. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals; fluid samples should be clear and free of sludge, as degradation can occur even on low‑mileage vehicles that are not driven regularly. A full service history and any receipts for the remedial work carried out after the 2022 MOT will provide further confidence in the vehicle’s current roadworthiness.