2016 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · FH65 VMV

The vehicle most recently underwent its MOT on 13 November 2025 and passed, though the test recorded five separate advisory items covering the front suspension and steering components, tyre condition, rear brake discs, and rear brake pads. Reviewing the broader DVSA history, the earlier tests from 2020 through 2024 were largely clean, with the 2023 and 2024 passes recording no defects at all, indicating a generally well-maintained vehicle up to that point. However, the November 2024 test resulted in a failure on several major items including non-functioning rear position and stop lamps, a nearside rear tyre with a cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords, and an ineffective windscreen wiper. All of these were rectified before the subsequent pass, but the emergence of advisories in the 2025 test, combined with the prior failure, suggests the maintenance trend is showing mild deterioration rather than stable condition, and a prospective buyer should treat the advisory items as early indicators of upcoming remedial work. The recorded mileage of 86,836 on a 2016 Vauxhall Vivaro equates to an annual average of roughly 8,684 miles, which is broadly typical for a commercial vehicle of its age and is consistent with regular but moderate commercial or fleet use. There is no evidence in the MOT history of an unusually low or inconsistent mileage pattern, nor any indication of extreme high-mileage accumulation that would disproportionately accelerate wear on the drivetrain or major mechanical components. That said, vans of this age and mileage bracket typically accumulate wear on suspension, braking, and clutch systems, and the mileage alone places this vehicle firmly in the category where preventative replacement of wear items should be expected within the short term. Turning to the specific advisories recorded at the most recent test, the slight play noted in both the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and the nearside front track rod end ball joint is mechanically significant because these are safety-critical steering and suspension joints. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering in the steering, uneven front tyre wear, or vibration through the steering wheel. The advisories on tyre cuts at the nearside front and rear should prompt a close visual inspection of the sidewalls and tread for any bulges, cracking, or further damage, as cuts can propagate under load. With the rear brake discs noted as worn, pitted, or scored, and the rear brake pads described as wearing thin, particularly on the nearside side, an inspection of brake disc thickness and pad material remaining is warranted, along with a test drive evaluation for any brake shudder, pulling to one side under braking, or a soft or spongy brake pedal. Beyond the recorded advisories, age-appropriate checks remain highly relevant for a ten-year-old commercial vehicle. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing or cracking caused by age rather than wear, the 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance and state of charge, and the brake calipers and sliding mechanisms should be checked for binding or seizure, particularly given that vans of this type are frequently subjected to mixed urban and load-carrying use. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be inspected for condition and replacement interval, as these degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. Finally, verifying a full and stamped service history, confirming the timing belt or chain replacement schedule has been observed according to manufacturer intervals, and checking for any oil or coolant leaks from the engine and surrounding ancillaries will give a more complete picture of the vehicle's overall mechanical condition ahead of purchase.