2019 Vauxhall Vivaro 3100 Sportive S/S 2.0L Diesel · FE69 FDV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 1 December 2025, was passed but returned three advisories – a minor oil leak that is not excessive, front brake pads approaching the minimum thickness and the off‑side rear brake pads also wearing thin. Over the preceding four years the vehicle has consistently passed, yet the same themes recur: an oil leak noted in 2022 and again in 2025, brake‑pad wear flagged in 2022, 2023 and 2025 and a rear disc already described as worn in 2023. The pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance record but with a gradual build‑up of wear on the braking system and a persistent, low‑level leak that has not been fully resolved. At 129 624 miles the van averages roughly 18 500 miles per annum, which is well above the typical UK fleet average of around 10‑12 000 miles a year. This high utilisation accelerates the consumption of wear items such as brake linings, clutch components, suspension bushings and tyre tread, and it also means that any underlying issues, for example the oil leak, will have been subjected to more thermal cycles and load events. There are no evident gaps in the MOT chronology, indicating the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently rather than stored for long periods, which reduces the risk of age‑related corrosion but increases cumulative mileage wear. A prospective buyer should inspect the source of the oil leak, focusing on the gearbox oil seal and any surrounding gaskets, and verify that the leak has not progressed to a level that could affect oil levels or cause contamination of surrounding components. On a test drive, listen for any fresh oil drips onto hot surfaces, watch for oil spots under the vehicle after a short journey, and feel for any change in gearbox behaviour such as hard shifts or unusual noises. The brake system warrants particular attention: measure the pad thickness on all four wheels, check the rear disc for scoring or excessive rust, and assess pedal feel for any sponginess, vibration or pull to one side, which could indicate uneven wear or caliper binding. Given the advisories on front and rear pads, anticipate that replacement of the pads – and possibly resurfacing or replacement of the rear disc – will be required within the next few thousand miles. In addition to the specific items flagged by the MOT, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive visual and tactile inspection of the tyres, ensuring the sidewalls are free of cracking, dry rot or bulges that are common on high‑mileage vans of this age, and confirming the tread depth remains above the legal minimum across the entire width. Examine the suspension for any play in the ball joints, worn bushings or leaking shock absorbers, which can manifest as clunking over bumps. Verify the 12‑volt battery is still within its service life, checking terminal corrosion and performing a load test if possible, as batteries in vehicles with heavy use often need replacement around the eight‑year mark. Finally, confirm that routine fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – have been changed at the manufacturer’s intervals; a fluid change history in the service book or evidence of recent top‑ups will help ensure the engine and transmission are protected despite the high mileage.