2016 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · EX66 LNE

The most recent MOT on 29 July 2026 records a pass, but it is accompanied by a failure entry on the same day that lists several major defects – ineffective nearside and off‑side windscreen wipers, a fractured nearside front coil spring and an excessively worn off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush. The presence of a pass suggests that the defects were remedied before the final result was issued, yet the fact that such serious items were flagged indicates a recent lapse in maintenance. Over the preceding years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: a clean pass in 2025, a clean pass in 2023, a pass in 2022 after a failure for a headlamp and exposed tyre ply, and an advisory in 2020 concerning the off‑side MacPherson strut mounting. The overall trend is therefore one of intermittent issues rather than a steady improvement, with a recent resurgence of front‑suspension and wiper problems that merit close scrutiny. At 62,220 mi the Combo has logged roughly 6,200 mi per annum over its ten‑year life, which is well below the UK average of about 10,000 mi per year. Such low mileage can be a positive sign of light use, but it also raises the possibility that the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary, allowing age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone components. The mileage does not suggest excessive wear on high‑stress items such as the clutch, gearbox or engine bearings, but the combination of age and modest use means that consumables will have aged in situ and may be near the end of their service life regardless of the relatively low odometer reading. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front suspension and wiper system. The fractured coil spring and worn suspension arm bush reported in the latest MOT are likely to produce a distinct clunk or knock when passing bumps, uneven tyre wear and a tendency for the front wheels to wander under braking. Verify that the coil spring has been replaced with a correct OEM unit and that the suspension arm bushings are free of excessive play, cracks or corrosion. Test the wipers on a wet surface; any streaking, incomplete clearing or slow return indicates that the motor or linkage may still be faulty. The off‑side headlamp failure recorded in 2022 should be checked for proper operation on both dipped and main beam, and the tyre with exposed ply must be replaced immediately; inspect all tyres for sidewall cracks, dry rot and uniform tread depth, as age can cause perishing even on low‑mileage tyres. Beyond the specific defects, the vehicle’s ten‑year age calls for a comprehensive age‑related inspection. Examine the battery terminals and perform a load test, as a battery left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Check the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding – standing can cause corrosion on the piston seals. Inspect the exhaust system for rust, cracked hangers or loose mounts, and verify that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power‑steering fluid) have been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. Finally, look for any signs of chassis corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and under‑body, and confirm that the service history includes regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service for a 2016 Vauxhall Combo. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.