2018 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · FN68 RKA

The most recent MOT on 25 June 2026 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. However, the preceding two‑year period shows a mixed picture: in December 2024 the car failed due to an excessively worn nearside front anti‑roll‑bar ball joint and, in November 2023, it failed for excess exhaust emissions together with a series of minor body‑work items. The intervening passes in 2022 and early 2024 suggest that remedial work has been carried out, but the recurrence of minor windscreen damage, reflector loss and an advisory about oil residue points to a need for ongoing attention to body‑panel integrity and potential oil leakage. At 65,829 miles the Vivaro averages roughly 8,200 miles per year, which is within the normal usage envelope for a light‑commercial vehicle of its age. The mileage does not indicate any periods of extreme low use that might have allowed components to seize, nor does it reveal a high‑kilometre run‑off that would accelerate wear of suspension bushings, brake discs or drivetrain bearings. The modest annual distance suggests that consumables such as tyres, brake pads and clutch will be approaching the middle of their service lives, but they are unlikely to be at the end of their design life unless the vehicle has been subjected to heavy loads or frequent stop‑start operation. A prospective buyer should give particular scrutiny to the nearside front anti‑roll‑bar ball joint that was recorded as excessively worn in 2024. Examine the joint for play by applying a firm push and pull to the wheel at the 12 o’clock position; any clunk or excessive movement indicates that the joint may not have been replaced or could be deteriorating again. While on the road, listen for a metallic knock when negotiating bumps, especially on the nearside front, and feel for any looseness in steering response. The recurring windscreen chip, although not currently impairing vision, should be repaired promptly to avoid propagation, and the rear reflectors should be replaced to restore full rear‑light visibility. The advisory about oil residue warrants a visual inspection under the bonnet for fresh oil drips around the valve cover, oil filter housing and the front of the engine; a persistent leak can lead to reduced oil level, increased engine wear and, over time, smoke from the exhaust. Given the vehicle’s eight‑year age, independent checks should also cover age‑related items. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or suspension degradation; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of tread depth. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and test the charge with a multimeter, as a battery left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Verify that the brake discs are free of heavy rust and that the pads are not excessively worn, especially the rear inner pads flagged as thin in 2021; any pulsation or shudder under braking suggests disc glazing or uneven wear. Finally, confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the manufacturer’s service intervals, as fluids degrade with time even on low‑mileage vehicles, and a fresh service history will give confidence that the engine and emission control systems are being maintained appropriately.