2015 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · DX65 WRP

The most recent DVSA examination on 11 November 2025 resulted in both a Fail and a Pass outcome issued on the same day, suggesting the vehicle was refused initially due to a dangerous defect, rectified off-site, and returned for re-testing. The Dangerous failure was attributed to an Offside Rear Tyre with ply or cords exposed, a serious safety concern indicating the tyre carcass had worn through to its internal structure, and this was accompanied by an advisory noting the Nearside Rear Tyre was worn close to the legal limit. The Pass certificate issued alongside it retained advisories for play in the steering rack inner joint and a worn Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm bush (rear bush). Overall, the maintenance trend is best described as deteriorating rather than stable; the pattern of advisories across 2022, 2023, and 2025 shows progressive concerns with steering linkage, suspension bushes, brake wear, and tyres, culminating in the dangerous tyre failure and a fractured coil spring major failure in 2021. With 177,293 miles accumulated over approximately eleven years, this Combo has covered around 16,100 miles annually, a notably high figure that places considerable mechanical demand on the drivetrain, suspension, and braking components. There is no evidence of long periods of standing, but the sheer accumulation of mileage means that wear-related components such as clutch, dual-mass flywheel, turbocharger, injectors, and gearbox mounts will have endured significant fatigue. The high annual usage also implies that oil and filter changes should have been frequent, and it is essential to verify a comprehensive service history with evidence of timely cambelt or timing chain replacement, as Vauxhall light commercial engines of this era are known to suffer timing chain stretch at high mileages. A test drive should focus on the recurring advisories flagged in the MOT record. The play noted in the steering rack inner joint is a known weak point on this model; on the road, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over bumps and at low speed, and check for vagueness or a wandering feel in the steering. Inspect the Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rear bush for cracking, perishing, or separation, as continued deterioration could lead to excessive movement and an imminent fail. Given the coil spring fractures in 2021, examine both front springs carefully for signs of corrosion pitting, and check the ride height for any sagging that could indicate a weakened spring. On braking, expect to feel judder or pulsing through the pedal if the front discs are pitted and corroded, as noted in 2022, and listen for any binding calipers that could cause pulling to one side. Beyond the recorded defects, the buyer should carry out age- and mileage-related physical checks. Tyres may appear to have adequate tread but the sidewalls could be suffering from perishing and cracking, particularly on the rear axle, so inspect them closely given the dangerous failure just recorded. Brake fluid should be changed irrespective of mileage every two to three years due to its hygroscopic nature, and the engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid should be inspected for correct specification and condition. The 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested. Check beneath the vehicle for fresh oil leaks consistent with the 2023 advisory, paying attention to the sump, cam cover, and turbo oil feed lines. Finally, verify that the cooling system has been refreshed, as a neglected radiator and thermostat on a high-mileage commercial vehicle commonly lead to head gasket concerns, and confirm the exhaust system for corrosion or blowing joints, particularly given the vehicle's heavy working history.