2004 Vauxhall Combo 1.7L Diesel · EU54 FDV

The most recent MOT test on 10 June 2026 resulted in a pass, which on the surface is a positive outcome, however a closer inspection of the sequence of tests reveals a maintenance trend that is at best stable and arguably showing signs of gradual deterioration. The vehicle passed in 2024, 2025, and 2026, but the advisories have accumulated year on year, and there was a failed test on 29 May 2026 which recorded a major defect relating to parking brake efficiency and offside rear parking brake inoperative on one side, alongside a minor defect for an offside rear registration plate lamp. That particular failure was rectified within twelve days for the subsequent pass, but the underlying issue with the parking brake mechanism is a point of concern that warrants further investigation. Recurring advisories for oil leaks from the engine and between the engine and gearbox, headlamp lens product contamination on both sides, brake pipe corrosion covered in grease, and play in the steering rack inner joints on both sides have appeared across multiple consecutive tests, indicating persistent wear issues that have not been fully resolved. With a recorded mileage of 169,930 miles over approximately 22 years, this Vauxhall Combo has covered an average of around 7,724 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a light commercial vehicle of its age and is consistent with a working van rather than one that has been standing idle for extended periods. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would indicate long periods of inactivity, and the mileage progression does not suggest any unusually rapid accumulation that might point to arduous use such as towing or heavy load carrying beyond the vehicle's design parameters. Nevertheless, at this mileage the engine, transmission, clutch, and drivetrain components are all well into the latter stages of their expected service life, and the recurring oil leak advisories are entirely consistent with seals and gaskets beginning to harden and weep on a high-mileage unit. The minor oil leak between engine and gearbox noted at the most recent test is particularly worth monitoring, as this can progress to a more serious failure of the rear crankshaft oil seal or gearbox input shaft seal if left unattended. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories provide a clear roadmap for what to inspect and budget for. The oil leaks should be physically examined from underneath on a ramp or over a pit, with particular attention to the area where the engine meets the gearbox, looking for fresh wet staining rather than just old residue, and listening on a test drive for any change in engine note that might suggest low oil pressure from a worsening leak. The brake pipe corrosion advisory that has appeared in both 2024 and 2025 is a serious structural safety item, and a thorough inspection of all brake lines, particularly those tucked behind the inner wings and beneath the vehicle, should be carried out for any signs of rust pitting, surface corrosion, or previous repair using inappropriate materials. The steering rack inner joint play noted on both sides in 2024 should be checked by rotating the steering wheel lock to lock while stationary and feeling for any knocking or roughness through the rack, as worn inner tie rod joints will progressively worsen and can ultimately lead to an MOT failure. The offside rear inner road wheel noted as slightly distorted at the most recent test should be inspected for run-out, and on a test drive any vibration through the steering wheel at speed would confirm the wheel is no longer true. The offside front anti-roll bar ball joint play recorded in 2025 is another item that should be physically checked by levering the joint with a bar to assess the degree of movement, and on a test drive listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension particularly over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during direction changes. The nearside front outer drive shaft CV boot that failed in 2024 should be inspected for any signs of grease contamination around the joint or torn rubber, and on a test drive listen for a clicking or knocking noise on full lock manoeuvres which would indicate the joint has been contaminated and is beginning to fail. Given the vehicle's age, regardless of the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should also satisfy themselves as to the condition of items that deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage, including the condition of tyre sidewalls for perishing and cracking which is common on older tyres even with adequate tread depth, the state of the radiator and heater hoses which harden with age, the health of the 12 volt battery which typically fails after five to six years, the condition of all suspension bushes which deteriorate through ozone exposure and UV, and the brake discs which may have developed corrosion on the friction surfaces from standing or light use. Time-based servicing items such as coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be confirmed as recently renewed in line with manufacturer schedules, and the timing belt replacement history verified as this is a critical age-related item on any 22 year old vehicle.