2017 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · FN67 CDK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 March 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory concerning light oil misting from the off‑side front shock absorber. Over the last three years the vehicle has accumulated a series of similar advisories – oil misting and reduced damping on the same shock, slight play in both front track‑rod ends and thin rear brake pads – while earlier tests noted thin front pads and a tyre approaching the legal tread limit. Although none of these items have risen to a failure, the recurrence of front‑suspension and brake‑wear advisories indicates a maintenance trend that is holding steady but shows signs of gradual deterioration rather than improvement. At 102,987 miles for a 2017 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 11,400 miles, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage band. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest long periods of inactivity, and the vehicle’s mileage progression appears consistent with typical family‑car duty. This level of use means that consumables such as suspension bushings, brake discs, pads and tyres will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives and should be inspected closely. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension. The oil‑misting off‑side shock absorber and the noted reduction in damping are early signs of seal wear; a leaking shock can lead to reduced ride comfort, increased body roll and uneven tyre wear. On a test drive listen for a soft thump or clunk when passing bumps and feel for any excessive nose‑down dive under braking. The slight play reported in both front track‑rod ends will manifest as a vague steering wander or a knock when turning the wheel at low speed; have the ball joints inspected for excessive movement and consider replacement if the play exceeds the manufacturer’s specification. The brake pads have been flagged as thin on both front and rear axles in recent tests, so the discs may already be showing wear; expect the need for a full pad set change and a possible disc resurfacing or replacement within the next few thousand miles, especially if you notice any pedal pulsation, squeal or a longer stopping distance. In addition to the specific items above, the vehicle’s age warrants a thorough age‑related check. Verify the condition of all tyres, looking for sidewall cracking or dry‑rot that can occur even on low‑mileage units that have sat for extended periods; ensure the tread depth on each tyre is well above the 1.6 mm legal minimum. Test the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and consider a load test, as batteries over nine years often suffer from sulfation. Inspect the coolant, brake fluid and engine oil for signs of contamination or overdue change intervals, and check for any corrosion on chassis mounts, exhaust hangers and under‑body panels that can develop from standing in damp conditions. A full service history, including any recent suspension or brake work, will give added confidence that the vehicle has been cared for and that the remaining life of its major components aligns with your intended ownership period.