2015 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4L Petrol · DP65 HBH

The mechanical story of this Meriva is centred on a fractured rear coil spring and a brake binding issue, both flagged at the December 2023 test, alongside a recurring pattern of tyre deterioration advisories that culminated in the December 2025 test, where nearside and offside rear tyres were noted as slightly damaged, cracking or perishing on the same date the vehicle presented with a failed nearside direction indicator. The fractured coil spring was recorded as a Major defect under section 5.3.1 (b) (i), a category which under DVSA criteria denotes a component failure likely to compromise vehicle stability or braking, and its presence alongside a service brake binding advisory on the same axle points to a rear suspension and brake assembly that has warranted close scrutiny. Since that 2023 event, the vehicle has passed subsequent tests, but the latest entry shows it failed first before passing on the same day, with the indicator lamp defect as the cause of refusal, while the tyre advisories were carried across both entries. This indicates a mechanical profile where the rear axle components and tyre condition have been the recurring points of official attention, and where a minor electrical defect interrupted an otherwise passable test outcome. With 66,317 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this Meriva has averaged roughly 6,029 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the steady accumulation of test entries from 2023 through to late 2025 indicates the car has been in regular use throughout that window. Mechanical implications of this mileage profile include moderate wear on the usual consumables such as brake friction material, suspension bushes and tyres, but the absence of any unusually high annual accumulation suggests no exceptional demands have been placed on the drivetrain or braking system beyond what might be expected for urban or mixed family use. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for physical inspection are the rear suspension and braking components. The 2023 record of a fractured nearside rear coil spring and a binding offside rear service brake means that, even after passing subsequent tests, the remaining rear coil spring, the corresponding shock absorber, and the rear brake caliper mechanism on the offside should be examined for any signs of seizure, uneven pad wear, or restricted travel. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear over uneven road surfaces, which can indicate weakened spring seats or top mount wear following a coil fracture, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking, which could suggest a caliper that is not releasing fully. The rear brake should also be checked at rest by lifting the wheel and confirming it rotates freely without resistance after the handbrake is released. The tyre condition warrants direct attention given that both rear tyres were flagged for cracking or perishing at the most recent test. Inspect the sidewalls and tread closely for visible cracking, particularly in the shoulder area, and verify that the tyres being offered are not the originals flagged in the advisory, as perished rubber compromises grip in wet conditions. The nearside direction indicator failure that caused the December 2025 refusal is a straightforward electrical issue, likely a blown bulb or a poor connection at the lamp unit, but it should prompt a check of all exterior lighting, including the offside indicators, hazard flashers, and rear lamp clusters for corrosion or intermittent operation. Finally, given the vehicle's age, a general inspection underneath for any surface corrosion on the rear axle, exhaust hangers, and undertray fixings would be prudent, along with confirmation that the rear brake flex hoses have not deteriorated, as these are common MOT failure points on vehicles of this vintage.