2016 Vauxhall Combo 1.6L Diesel · FH66 DFK

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 November 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and the prior test of 23 November 2023 was similarly clear. Between these two unblemished outcomes, the only logged advisory was for a corroded rear exhaust outer skin noted in November 2024, which is a relatively minor and predictable finding on a commercial vehicle of this age. The maintenance trend is therefore broadly stable and currently improving, particularly given that the single major non-compliance event in November 2022 was resolved within twenty-six days at a retest, with no repeat advisories relating to steering, lighting or brake pedal condition appearing in subsequent examinations. Overall, the MOT history indicates a vehicle that has been kept compliant, though the cluster of advisories in 2022 should still be regarded as relevant context for a prospective buyer. With 161,777 miles recorded over a ten-year lifespan, this Combo has covered approximately 16,178 miles annually, which is notably high for a vehicle in this segment and well above average private-car usage. There are no significant gaps in the mileage progression between tests, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular commercial or high-utilisation service rather than laid up for long periods. Sustained mileage at this level accelerates wear on drivetrain, clutch, turbo, suspension and brake components, and although the MOT record does not flag mechanical failures in these areas, the cumulative effect of high mileage should inform the level of scrutiny applied during physical inspection and pre-purchase evaluation. Given the high annual mileage and the repeated advisory items relating to tyres wearing on their edges across both the front and rear axles in 2020, 2021 and 2022, particular attention should be paid to the suspension geometry and bush condition. Uneven or inner-edge tyre wear is commonly symptomatic of worn suspension bushes, weakened coil springs, worn shock absorbers, or tracking misalignment, and a test drive over broken surfaces should be used to listen for clonks, knocks or rattle from the front and rear suspension. The 2022 advisory for a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel should be checked for current run-out and balance, while the advisories for the nearside front tyre wall cut and rear nail in 2020 indicate a history of kerbing or debris strikes, making a thorough inspection of all current sidewalls for bulges, perishing and repairs essential, particularly as ten-year-old tyres can suffer from age-related cracking regardless of tread depth. The failed test in November 2022 warrants particular buyer diligence despite its isolated nature. The steering rack gaiter defect and associated power steering fluid leak were both corrected at retest, but a high-mileage rack is prone to recurrent ingress of dirt once the gaiter has been compromised, leading to accelerated internal wear and potential replacement. The buyer should therefore inspect the steering for any signs of fluid seepage around the rack and pinion, check the reservoir level and condition of the fluid, and listen for any whining or groaning from the pump during a cold start. The smooth brake pedal advisory and the brake pedal wear noted in 2022 are also consistent with a high-mileage commercial vehicle and should prompt inspection of servo function and pedal pad condition. Beyond the recorded history, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants verification of cambelt or timing chain replacement evidence, recent renewal of brake fluid, coolant and automatic or manual transmission fluid in line with calendar intervals, and a check of the rear exhaust noted in 2024 for any progression of corrosion that could now necessitate replacement.