2006 Vauxhall Combo 1.7L Diesel · FY06 FTJ

The vehicle currently presents as roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. The most recent test in August 2023 at 142,276 miles resulted in a pass following a failure for headlamp aim and shock absorber issues. While the immediate faults were addressed, the recurring nature of suspension and brake advisories over the last three years suggests a trend where components are only replaced once they reach the point of inspection failure. At 142,276 miles over twenty years, the vehicle averages approximately 7,114 miles per year. This usage profile is consistent with typical expectations for a commercial van of this age. The data shows a steady mileage increase between 2021 and 2023, with roughly 7,400 miles covered in that two-year period. However, the low annual mileage does not offset the impact of the structural issues noted in the 2022 test, indicating that low use has not prevented prevented significant corrosion and mechanical wear. A buyer must physically inspect the offside rear inner wheel arch. The failure in October 2022 specifically identified excessive corrosion on a suspension component mounting area that significantly reduced structural strength. Because this is a critical safety point, it is vital to verify if this repair was structurally sound or if the rust continues to spread. Additionally, the front shock absorbers have shown misting of oil since at least 2021; the buyer should check for increased leakage and ensure the damping has not degraded to the point of causing another immediate failure. The braking system also requires close attention. The record shows an inoperative parking brake and low efficiency in late 2022, followed by advisories for pitted rear brake discs. The inner-edge wear on front tyres during that same period suggests an alignment issue or worn suspension bushes that were never fully resolved. A test drive to detect pulling under braking or knocks from the front suspension is essential to confirm the integrity of the components flagged in the previous MOT cycles.