2012 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · DS12 ACJ

The Vauxhall Combo’s most recent MOT test on 23 October 2025 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on 8 January 2025 resulted in a failure without recorded defects—a pattern that repeats from December 2023. This suggests either a test centre error or a vehicle that narrowly avoids minor issues, but no consistent mechanical trend emerges from the record. The absence of advisories or recurring faults implies no obvious structural or drivetrain concerns, though the lack of defects on failure tests raises caution. The vehicle’s condition appears stable in terms of major components, but the irregular failure dates warrant scrutiny of what might have been overlooked. The mileage progression shows steady usage, averaging around 7,000 miles annually—a typical rate for a vehicle of this age. Between December 2022 and October 2025, the recorded mileage climbed from 86,669 to 98,190, with no prolonged periods of inactivity. However, the identical mileage on the failed December 2023 test (95,177) and passed December 2022 test (86,669) suggests either a misreporting of mileage or a short period of minimal use before retesting. No extreme mileage spikes or gaps indicate aggressive driving or neglect, but the consistency of the failure dates without defects hints at potential inconsistencies in test reporting. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components—particularly coil springs, bushes, and dampers—due to the vehicle’s age and mileage. The brakes, while not explicitly flagged, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle was retested shortly after failure. Structural integrity, including underbody corrosion and wheel bearing condition, should also be assessed, as these are common failure points in a 14-year-old van. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are flawless, so a thorough visual and functional examination is essential.