2019 Vauxhall Combo 1.5L Diesel · DS69 FEX

The Vauxhall Combo’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning inconsistency rather than a clear trend. The vehicle passed on 1 July 2025 but was immediately retested and failed on the same day, despite identical mileage—71,415—suggesting either a procedural error or a critical oversight in the initial inspection. No defects were recorded in either test, which is unusual for a retest and implies either a flaw in the testing process or that the vehicle’s condition was borderline but not severe enough to warrant specific advisories. The preceding clean passes in 2024 and 2023—without advisories—do not provide reassurance, as the lack of recorded issues could mask underlying wear or deferred maintenance. The mileage progression shows a steady but moderate rate of use, averaging around 10,200 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests—12,540 miles in just over a year—is unusually high compared to the 9,288 miles covered between 2024 and 2025. This suggests either a period of heavier usage or prolonged storage without servicing, which could accelerate wear on components like suspension bushes, brake calipers, and drivetrain fluids. The absence of any advisories in the 2023 or 2024 tests means there is no historical evidence of recurring faults, but the retest anomaly warrants scrutiny. Given the lack of specific defects in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear areas that are not routinely tested. Focus on the suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—for signs of uneven wear or corrosion, as these are often overlooked until they fail. The brakes, despite no recorded faults, should be checked for binding calipers, uneven pad thickness, or excessive disc wear, especially if the vehicle has been driven hard over the last year. Structural integrity is another critical area; inspect the wheel arches, sills, and underbody for corrosion, as rust can compromise the chassis over time without being visible during a standard MOT. The retest anomaly also justifies verifying the condition of the exhaust system, as emissions-related failures are common in retests when initial tests miss subtle leaks or catalytic converter issues.