2017 Vauxhall Viva 1.0L Petrol · FG17 SFJ

The 2017 Vauxhall Viva presents a clean bill of health at its most recent MOT on 15 August 2025, passing with zero defects at 201,037 miles. That marks a significant turnaround from the July 2024 failure, where the tester flagged a TPMS malfunction, multiple lighting failures, and deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers on both front corners. The fact that all those defects were rectified and the car sailed through both the 2024 and 2025 re-tests suggests the previous owner addressed the issues properly rather than patching them. The maintenance trend is currently stable and improving. At roughly 22,337 miles per year, this Viva has led a hard life. The 2024 tests bracket a notable spike: the car covered just 91 miles between the 28 August pass and the 3 July fail, yet the 10-month gap before that saw around 9,000 miles added. That uneven pattern hints at periods of intense use interspersed with downtime, possibly fleet or long-distance commuting duty. The 2022 and 2023 records show the car was already chewing through front brake pads and tyres at pace, consistent with high motorway mileage where consumables wear faster but suspension and structural components take a steady battering from road surfaces. A buyer should physically inspect the front suspension closely. Both anti-roll bar link boots failed their dust covers in mid-2024, meaning dirt and water had direct access to the ball joints. Even though the defect was fixed, the underlying joints and link arms should be checked for play, as contamination accelerates wear. The nearside front headlamp aim being untestable and the dipped beam failure also warrant attention. Confirm the headlamp levelling system operates correctly and that the unit itself has not been poorly replaced or moisture-ingressed. Brake condition deserves a thorough check given the recurring advisory on front pad wear. At this mileage, the front calipers, discs, and slide pins should be inspected for uneven wear or binding. The rear fog lamp and number plate lamp failures from 2024 point to possible wiring or earth issues behind the rear light cluster; a quick function test of all exterior lamps is advisable. With over 200,000 miles on the clock, a compression test and a close look at the exhaust for corrosion or leaks would round out a sensible pre-purchase inspection.