2016 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · EX05 BEC

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 23 March 2026 resulted in a Pass, accompanied by three advisories. The first advisory notes a front oil leak not considered excessive, the second records a defective rear exhaust mounting, and the third highlights corrosion on the rear suspension arm not deemed seriously weakened at this stage. Reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend shows steady wear progression rather than acute deterioration. There was a failure in January 2025 relating to headlamp aim, which is readily corrected, and a more significant failure in January 2024 involving an excessively worn offside front suspension arm rearmost bush alongside pitted front brake discs. The rearmost lower arm bush has been replaced, but the discs were not addressed at that test and resurfaced as an advisory in February 2024. Combined with the current rear suspension corrosion advisory, this suggests that the chassis and undercarriage are beginning to show their age, warranting close physical inspection prior to purchase. With 128,756 miles recorded over a ten-year lifespan, this Vauxhall Combo has covered approximately 12,876 miles annually, which is notably high mileage for a light commercial derivative of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, indicating the vehicle has been in consistent operational use rather than left standing for extended periods. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on all major mechanical assemblies, particularly the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger (on diesel variants), suspension components, brake systems, and drivetrain mounts. Oil leaks, as flagged in both 2022 and 2026, are common at this mileage band and typically originate from camshaft covers, sump gaskets, or front crankshaft seals. Prospective buyers should confirm the oil leak source, severity, and whether any remedial sealing work has been undertaken. Given the recurring advisories, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should focus on several specific areas. The brake system requires particular attention; the front discs were noted as pitted in 2024 and the rear brake hoses showed ferrule corrosion in early 2025. During a test drive, listen for brake shudder under moderate stopping pressure, which would indicate disc runout from wear or corrosion, and check for any pulling to one side which may suggest a binding caliper. Inspect the rear suspension arm corrosion noted in the latest test by physically probing the component, ideally on a ramp, to ensure it has not progressed beyond surface oxidation into structural weakening. The defective rear exhaust mounting should also be examined, as a broken mount can cause exhaust movement, knocking noises on acceleration, or contact with the underbody. The oil leak warrants a clean inspection of the engine block and sump area, with attention to the condition of the oil on the dipstick and any milky residue that could indicate coolant contamination. Beyond the advisory-related items, age-appropriate checks remain essential given the high mileage and ten-year service life. Tyres should be examined for both tread depth and sidewall condition, as older tyres are prone to perishing and cracking even with adequate tread remaining; the nearside and offside front inner-edge wear pattern flagged in 2022 also suggests the need for a wheel alignment check to rule out worn suspension linkages or bushes. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as calendar age rather than mileage typically dictates battery longevity. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should be verified for condition and service intervals, as these degrade with time irrespective of mileage. Finally, confirm the presence of a full main dealer or specialist service history with corresponding invoices, and ensure timing belt or chain replacement intervals have been observed according to manufacturer schedule, as these high-mileage diesel or petrol units are particularly intolerant of stretched timing component replacement intervals.