2019 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · FH68 NWY

The 2019 Vauxhall Vivaro presents a mixed mechanical picture following its most recent MOT activity on 4 February 2026 at 46,360 miles. That initial test failed due to a non-functioning nearside front daytime running lamp, which was rectified before a pass was issued on the same day. However, the tester flagged several advisories that remain live on the record. Play in the steering rack inner joint is a notable mechanical concern, indicating wear in the steering linkage that can introduce vagueness at the wheel and uneven front tyre wear if left unaddressed. The nearside rear brake disc was noted as worn, pitted, or scored, and an oil leak, though deemed non-excessive, was also recorded. Combined with a perishing offside rear tyre, these points suggest the vehicle has not been maintained to a meticulous standard in recent months. The maintenance trend is therefore stable to slightly worsening, with minor but accumulating issues rather than a clean bill of health. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. From 28,135 miles on 3 February 2023 to 34,178 miles on 21 February 2024, the van covered 6,043 miles in just over a year. It then added 5,598 miles to reach 39,776 miles by 3 February 2025, before climbing 6,584 miles to the current 46,360 miles by 4 February 2026. This equates to roughly 6,600 miles per year across its life, which is typical for a working van of this age. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, and the MOT entries align sensibly with the annual mileage accumulation. The data is clean and consistent, with no evidence of clocking or long periods of inactivity. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the components the tester has already flagged. The steering rack inner joint play warrants a close check, ideally on a ramp, to assess whether the inner tie rod or rack bush is the source of the movement. Worn steering linkages on a Vivaro of this age and mileage are not uncommon, but replacement costs can be significant if the rack itself is compromised. The nearside rear brake disc condition should be measured for thickness and lateral run-out, and the rear caliper should be inspected for a binding slide pin, which is a common cause of uneven disc wear on this platform. The oil leak, though minor, needs tracing to its source. On the Vivaro, rear crankshaft seal and gearbox output shaft seals are frequent culprits, and ignoring even a small leak can lead to contamination of the clutch or brake components over time. The perishing offside rear tyre is a consumable issue but worth noting as a pattern indicator. A single tyre showing age-related cracking rather than wear suggests the van may have stood for extended periods, which can also accelerate deterioration of suspension bushes and brake components. Inspect all rear suspension bushes, the condition of the rear shock absorbers, and the integrity of the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly around the rear box and mounting points. The discoloured rear direction indicators are cosmetic and unlikely to affect function, but confirming the lens condition during a test drive is sensible. Overall, the Vivaro is mechanically sound enough to consider, provided the steering play and rear brake condition are professionally assessed and priced into any offer.