2018 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · DX18 PHA

The vehicle has a history of critical wear on front-end consumables, specifically brakes and tyres, though the record has stabilised significantly in recent years. While the most recent test on 26 November 2025 was clean, the history reveals a period between 2021 and 2023 marked by dangerous failures related to brake pad thickness and tyre tread, alongside advisories for suspension ball joint play and shock absorber misting. This indicates a pattern of delayed replacement of wear items in the earlier part of its life, though the three most recent tests have been passed without any defects or advisories. Recorded mileage stands at 79,585 miles over approximately eight years, averaging roughly 9,948 miles per year. This usage rate is typical for a light commercial vehicle of this age, suggesting a consistent operational history rather than periods of prolonged standing or excessive heavy-duty use. Mechanically, this mileage level typically coincides with the expected wear cycle for suspension bushings and braking components, which aligns with the failures and advisories noted in the 2021 to 2023 records. Attention should be directed toward the front suspension and braking system during the physical inspection. Given the previous record of play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint and oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber, a test drive should focus on detecting any knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed steering manoeuvres. The braking system, which previously suffered from dangerous wear on the offside front disc and pads, should be evaluated for any pedal judder or uneven braking pull, which could indicate uneven disc wear or caliper binding. A close inspection of the tyre tread, particularly the inner edges of the front tyres, is necessary as these were previously flagged for wearing close to the legal limit. This can often be a symptom of incorrect wheel alignment. Additionally, the condition of the rear direction indicators and the nearside front door mirror should be verified, as these were previously noted as discoloured or damaged. Ensure the windscreen wipers clear the glass effectively across the entire sweep, following a previous failure for ineffective clearing.