2011 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · FL61 DOU

The 2011 Vauxhall Combo shows a history of reactive maintenance with recurring issues regarding suspension and braking. In the most recent test in November 2024 at 167,311 miles, the vehicle passed despite several advisories including a persistent oil leak and thin front brake pads. This follows a failure in October 2024 at 167,199 miles where the tester flagged poor service and parking brake efficiency alongside mismatched tyre aspect ratios on the same axle. The presence of multiple tyres with uneven edge wear and perishing suggests a pattern of only addressing faults upon inspection failure rather than performing preventative upkeep. At 167,311 miles over 15 years, the vehicle has covered an average of approximately 11,000 miles per year, which is consistent with a commercial vehicle of this age. There is a significant gap in testing records between 2017 and 2021, during which the vehicle covered over 35,000 miles. Since the records resumed, the frequency of failures has increased, indicating that components such as the anti-roll bar ball joints and exhaust systems are reaching the end of their functional life. The mechanical record highlights ongoing concerns with the front suspension and braking system. Anti-roll bar linkage ball joints were flagged as excessively worn in both 2022 and 2023, and the nearside front wheel was noted as distorted in late 2024. The engine oil leak has been a constant presence for four years, moving from excessive in 2023 to non-excessive more recently. A buyer should inspect the structural integrity of the exhaust silencer and the condition of the brake pipes, as the tester previously identified inadequate support for these lines.