2018 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · DP68 JTY

A pattern of front suspension wear dominates the roadworthiness record of this Vivaro and represents the principal mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. Across seven MOT tests between 2021 and 2026, the nearside front shock absorber has been flagged three times, progressing from light oil misting in October 2024 to a serious fluid leak that caused a major failure in March 2025, before the vehicle returned a clean pass in March 2025 and again in April 2026. The October 2024 test also recorded a major failure on the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint for excessive wear, alongside a failed offside rear stop lamp. Only two of the seven tests carry any advisory items at all, so the record is not one of broadly deteriorating condition, but the cluster of front suspension defects within a short window suggests localised wear rather than a one-off component replacement. The most recent pass in April 2026 with no defects recorded confirms that the vehicle cleared the current test, but it does not erase the documented history of shock absorber and anti-roll bar wear on the nearside front corner. With 99,650 miles accumulated over roughly eight years, this Vivaro has been worked at approximately 12,456 miles per year, which is well above the average for a vehicle of its age. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with tests recorded in seven consecutive years, indicating that the vehicle has been in consistent service rather than laid up. High annual mileage of this nature typically accelerates wear on suspension components, brake friction material, clutch assemblies and drivetrain bearings, all of which are subject to greater stress than on a lower‑mileage equivalent. The recorded odometer readings in the MOT history are consistent with steady, ongoing commercial or fleet‑style use, and the buyer should plan for consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres and suspension bushes to have reduced remaining life compared with a lower‑mileage example. The front suspension components flagged in the MOT record warrant close attention during any inspection. With the nearside front shock absorber having previously exhibited oil misting and then a serious fluid leak, the buyer should look for fresh oil residue on the shock body or coil spring, and on a test drive should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, as well as any excessive bouncing after pressing down on the nearside front corner. The major failure on the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint indicates that wear had developed sufficiently to allow excess movement, so any clonking over bumps, vague turn-in response, or visible play when the wheel is rocked by hand should be treated as a red flag. If replacement components have been fitted, evidence of the work and the parts fitted should be obtained, as the recurrence of shock absorber issues at relatively close intervals could point to underlying coil spring fatigue or top mount wear rather than a simple seal failure. The remaining advisory and failure items provide additional, narrower pointers for the buyer. The rear brake disc advisory from October 2022, noting pitting and scoring not seriously weakened by corrosion, suggests that the discs were surface‑worn at that point and may now be approaching the minimum thickness limit, particularly given the high mileage, so heavy judder under braking or a pulsing brake pedal should be investigated. The failed offside rear stop lamp from October 2024 should be confirmed as currently functional with both bulbs illuminated and no warning lamp on the dashboard. Given the age and high mileage of this vehicle, a thorough pre‑purchase inspection on a ramp, paying particular attention to the front suspension, rear brake condition and general underbody corrosion consistent with commercial use, would be advisable before committing to purchase.