2006 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9L Diesel · FN06 LPX

A clean MOT history across the recorded tests establishes a solid baseline of roadworthiness for this 2006 Vauxhall Vivaro, with no advisories or component defects logged at any of the documented visits. The most recent test on 23 November 2023 returned a pass with no defects recorded, following a pass on the same date in 2022, and an earlier pass in November 2021. A failure was also recorded on 25 November 2022, but with no defects listed, suggesting an administrative or retest-related entry rather than a mechanical rejection. While the absence of advisories is reassuring for a van of this age, it is worth noting that MOT testing captures only safety and emissions-critical items, and many wear-related components on high-mileage light commercial vehicles are rarely flagged at MOT unless they have reached a defined failure threshold. With 123,253 miles accumulated over roughly twenty years, this Vivaro averages around 6,163 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a working panel van. The gap between the 2021 and 2022 tests, combined with the double entry in November 2022, suggests the vehicle has remained in active service throughout its life rather than being laid up for extended periods. Consistent annual usage of this nature typically means the engine, clutch, transmission, and braking components have seen regular working cycles, which is generally preferable to low-mileage examples that have suffered prolonged standing with resultant corrosion in the braking system, deterioration of rubber seals, and flat spots in drivetrain bearings. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there are no specific components from the MOT file to target during inspection, but a vehicle of this vintage and mileage warrants a thorough physical check of areas commonly susceptible to wear on the Vivaro platform. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, as the front lower wishbone arms and anti-roll bar drop links are known wear items and can produce audible slack when bushes deteriorate. Check for uneven tyre wear, steering pull, or vibration through the wheel, as front wheel bearing wear and worn top mount or strut bearings can develop without being flagged at MOT until quite advanced. Inspect the rear leaf spring assemblies and shackles for corrosion or sagging, as commercial load-carrying duties accelerate rear suspension fatigue on this model. Braking performance should be evaluated carefully given the likely working history of this vehicle. On test, confirm that the pedal feels firm and that the vehicle pulls up straight under firm application, as binding or seized rear calipers and sticking front caliper slides can develop progressively on high-mileage Vivaros without producing an immediate MOT failure. Examine the brake discs for visible lipping at the outer edge and feel for judder under heavy braking. Under the bonnet, check for oil seepage around the rocker cover and timing cover gaskets, and inspect coolant hoses and the radiator for signs of ageing rubber or staining from leaks. Finally, examine the underside, paying particular attention to the rear chassis outriggers, sill seams, and front subframe mounting points for any surface or structural corrosion, as light commercial vehicles of this era are particularly prone to underbody rust development that may not be visible from above.