2007 Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0L Diesel · FD57 CWZ

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance picture with a recent clean pass masking a history of serious structural and safety defects. The most recent test on 23 December 2025 at 98,168 miles recorded zero defects, yet this followed a failure just eleven days earlier on 12 December 2025 at 98,163 miles that included a critical insecure nearside front MacPherson strut top mount, impaired directional stability, an inoperative parking brake on one side, and excessive corrosion at a jacking point impairing structural integrity. The rapid turnaround suggests urgent repairs were carried out to secure a pass rather than a sustained pattern of diligent upkeep. The maintenance trend is therefore unstable, with recurring faults previously left unaddressed between tests. At roughly 5,167 miles per year over nineteen years, the recorded mileage is notably low for a commercial van of this age. The annual test history shows consistent yearly testing, yet the mileage jump from 93,313 miles in December 2024 to 98,168 miles in December 2025 represents an unusually high increase of 4,855 miles in a single year, breaking the otherwise steady low-mileage pattern. This could indicate a period of heavier use or correction of previously under-recorded miles, but the overall record remains largely clean aside from the flagged defects. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and structural underside. The insecure MacPherson strut mounting flagged in December 2025, combined with persistent worn strut pin bushes and a worn suspension arm ball joint noted in November 2024, points to ongoing front-end wear that demands close scrutiny of top mounts, bushes, and ball joints for play or damage. The excessive corrosion at the nearside jacking point is a serious concern for structural integrity and warrants a detailed underbody inspection for further rust, particularly around suspension mounting points, sills, and subframe areas. The braking system also requires careful examination. Corrosion on both rear brake pipes was flagged repeatedly in late 2024, alongside an inoperative parking brake and imbalance issues. Although these were rectified for the December 2025 pass, the history suggests moisture ingress or deteriorating pipework may persist. Inspect all brake lines for corrosion, especially at unions and along the rear axle, and test parking brake function on both sides. The emissions and induction leak issues from late 2024, while resolved, should prompt a check for ongoing exhaust smoke or rough running under load.