2016 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · FD65 SFK

The latest MOT test resulted in a pass on 30 October 2025, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. The vehicle suffered a significant failure just eight days prior to its pass, involving a dangerous defect regarding the security of the driver's seat alongside multiple major failures including an inoperative engine management light and worn suspension components. This pattern of reactive repairs, where critical safety and mechanical defects are only addressed upon failing an official inspection, suggests a lack of preventative maintenance. The recorded mileage of 69,667 miles over approximately ten years indicates a low annual usage rate of roughly 6,967 miles. While this is beneficial for the longevity of the engine and gearbox, such low mileage for a commercial vehicle often leads to different mechanical risks. Rubber components are more likely to degrade due to age rather than wear, and fluids can break down over time regardless of the distance travelled. The buyer should be aware that low mileage does not necessarily equate to a pristine mechanical state, especially given the recent history of neglect. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the front suspension and steering systems, as the records show a recurring history of failures involving track rod ends, anti-roll bar linkages, and suspension arm ball joints. During a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking sounds when driving over speed bumps or during low-speed steering manoeuvres, as these are classic symptoms of worn bushes or ball joints. It is also imperative to physically check the stability of the driver's seat to ensure the previous dangerous failure has been permanently rectified and that the seat is now securely anchored to the chassis. Further inspection is required regarding the engine management system following the recent failure of the MIL, and the buyer should verify that no warning lights remain active on the dashboard. The latest advisory regarding the offside front tyre perishing or cracking is a typical symptom of age-related degradation in low-mileage vehicles; therefore, all tyre sidewalls should be inspected for similar hairline cracks. Finally, given the vehicle's age and usage profile, check the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or binding calipers and verify the service history to ensure that calendar-based fluid changes have been performed despite the low mileage.