2009 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · FE58 DVT

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 February 2026 recorded a pass, but the test outcome cannot be viewed in isolation, as the underlying history reveals a vehicle with notable and recurring structural concerns. The 29 September 2021 test produced a fail with multiple Major defects, including a seriously weakened and corroded offside front sub-frame, excessive corrosion at the offside front steering component mounting area, excessively corroded central brake pipes to the rear, imbalanced rear brakes across axle two, and an inoperative engine management indicator lamp. While the vehicle subsequently returned to the road, the fact that the sub-frame corrosion was deemed to have seriously weakened a structural and steering mounting point warrants close physical inspection for the presence of any remedial welding, sectional replacement, or evidence of ongoing corrosion around the front suspension turrets, engine bay seam joints, and steering rack mounting area. The more recent advisories regarding nearside play in the steering rack inner joint from January 2025 also warrant attention, as play in a steering rack inner joint can progress to affect handling precision and may indicate wear in the rack itself or in the related track rod ends. Although the latest test passed cleanly with respect to those Major items, the recurrence of nearside and offside rear brake binding advisories across multiple tests is a persistent pattern that suggests the rear brake caliper mechanisms may be seizing in their slides or the handbrake mechanism is dragging, conditions which accelerate rear pad wear, generate excessive heat, and reduce overall braking efficiency. Recorded mileage stands at 151,208 miles over approximately seventeen years, which equates to an annualised usage of around 8,895 miles per year, a figure broadly typical for a commercial-derived light van of this age. The recorded test entries, however, show some inconsistency in usage patterns, with notably long intervals between examinations in the earlier part of the history and a more regular cadence in recent years. This generally consistent but moderately high overall mileage carries mechanical implications for the consumable and drivetrain components typically associated with such use, including wear to the clutch friction plate and dual mass flywheel if fitted, accelerated degradation of engine oil seals and timing belt components, and accumulated fatigue in suspension bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar linkages. Mileage of this magnitude on a 2009 Vauxhall Combo also places particular emphasis on verifying the integrity of the cooling system, the condition of the radiator and expansion tank, and the functionality of the thermostat and water pump, as these are known wear points on higher-mileage vehicles of this type. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection and road test is strongly advised, particularly in light of the recurring rear tyre cracking and perishing advisories that have appeared at every recorded MOT since 2021. Tyre perishing of this nature is largely a function of calendar age rather than mileage, and on a vehicle of this age the sidewalls should be carefully inspected for crazing, cracking, and brittleness, as perished rubber can fail suddenly under load even when tread depth remains adequate. The recurring rear brake binding advisories should be investigated by raising the vehicle and checking that the rear calipers release fully and that the sliding pins or guide mechanisms move freely without corrosion, as binding calipers typically manifest on the road as rear brake judder, uneven rear pad wear with one side noticeably more consumed than the other, and a tendency for the vehicle to pull slightly under braking or to emit a hot metallic smell after sustained use. Given the historical sub-frame and brake pipe corrosion advisories and failure items, close attention should also be paid to the condition of the underbody, particularly the offside front sub-frame repair area, the load valve and rear brake pipework, and any evidence of underseal or surface treatment that may be masking active corrosion. The reported steering rack inner joint play is best assessed during a slow-speed test drive on full lock, listening and feeling for any knocking, clunking, or hesitation in steering response, and confirming that the steering returns to centre without resistance. Additional age-related items merit verification regardless of the mileage figures, including the health and state of charge of the 12V battery, which on a vehicle of this age is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load tested rather than merely voltage checked. All time-served fluids, namely engine oil and filter, coolant, brake fluid, and manual transmission or gearbox oil if so equipped, should be confirmed as recently renewed in line with manufacturer intervals, as brake fluid is hydroscopic and degrades in service irrespective of mileage, while coolant loses its corrosion inhibiting properties over time and can accelerate internal engine and radiator degradation. The rubber and plastic components throughout the engine bay, including drive belts, coolant hoses, and the timing belt and tensioner if a cambelt service interval is due or overdue, should be inspected for cracking, hardening, and any evidence of weeping at joints. The windscreen, which carries a minor damage advisory from 2023, should be checked to confirm the damage has not propagated or worsened, and the wipers, washer system, lighting, and horn should all be verified as functional. Finally, given the commercial heritage of the Combo, the load area floor, side panels, and rear door hinges should be examined for wear, corrosion, and secure closure, and a thorough service history review undertaken to confirm regular maintenance, particularly in respect of the cambelt, clutch, and any previous sub-frame or steering remedial work.