2005 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9L Diesel · FP55 PLX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 17 June 2025, was passed but recorded a number of minor defects and advisories, the most notable being a slightly damaged nearside obligatory mirror, a light‑product film on the headlamp, cracked rear‑lamp outer lenses and a small oil leak that was not deemed excessive. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from two failures (2023 and 2021) to a series of passes with only advisory items, indicating that the overall maintenance trend is stabilising rather than deteriorating, provided the current advisories are addressed promptly. At 101 319 miles the van averages roughly 4 800 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a 21‑year‑old light commercial vehicle. Such low annual mileage often reflects periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because components may age without the benefit of regular operation. The modest wear on consumables is encouraging, yet the low utilisation may have allowed corrosion to develop on brake pipes and anti‑roll‑bar bushings, and may have contributed to the oil‑seal deterioration now noted. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the braking system. The front brake discs were classified as “dangerously weakened” in the 2023 failure and, although only advisory in later tests, they remain worn, pitted and scored. Inspect the discs for deep scoring, excessive thickness variation, or cracking, and verify that the pads are not excessively thin. On a test drive listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel a pulsating pedal, especially under hard braking, which would suggest disc warpage or uneven wear. The front brake pipes exhibit corrosion and grease contamination; a visual inspection for rust, pitting or moisture ingress is essential, and the pipe should be tested for leaks by applying firm pressure to the pedal while the vehicle is stationary. The steering linkage ball joints on both sides show slight play – a firm hand should feel no looseness when the wheel is rocked at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, and any clunk or wandering under steering input would indicate the need for joint replacement. The anti‑roll‑bar pins and bushes are reported as worn; check for excessive body roll, a loose feel when the vehicle is cornered, or rattles from the bar when driving over bumps, as these symptoms point to imminent bush failure. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also perform age‑related checks. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening of the rubber, and confirm that tread depth is uniform across all four wheels. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for bulging cases, low electrolyte levels or a voltage below 12.4 V after a short idle. Because the engine oil leak was noted, inspect the oil filter housing, valve cover gasket and oil pan for fresh oil traces and ensure the oil level and condition are within specification; a change of oil and filter is advisable if the service history is unclear. Finally, confirm that all fluid reservoirs – brake, coolant, power‑steering and transmission – are topped up, free from sludge and have been replaced at calendar intervals, and that the service book shows regular maintenance stamps, especially for timing‑belt or chain service if applicable. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of whether the van remains a reliable, road‑worthy workhorse or requires significant remedial work before purchase.