2017 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · GS17 DWS

The latest MOT test on 8 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning. The vehicle has a recurring pattern of failing on dangerous tyre defects and persistent suspension wear. Specifically, the presentation of the vehicle for testing with tyres exhibiting exposed cords and structural bulges indicates a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a proactive one. This suggests a lack of routine safety inspections by the previous owner, which may imply that other non-MOT critical components have also been overlooked. The recorded mileage of 86,000 miles is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 9,556 miles per year. This is typical for a light commercial vehicle and suggests a moderate duty cycle. While the mileage is not excessive, the frequency of suspension-related advisories and failures suggests the vehicle may have been operated on poor road surfaces or carried heavy loads, which has accelerated the wear on the steering and suspension consumables. A thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry is essential. The current advisories for worn anti-roll bar mounting bushes and a playing offside track rod end, combined with the previous major failure of the anti-roll bar linkage, point to a front end that requires imminent attention. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvres, as these are classic symptoms of worn bushes and ball joints. Ensure the steering feels precise and does not wander, which would indicate the track rod end has deteriorated further. Given the history of dangerous tyre failures, the buyer must scrutinise the current tyres for sidewall damage, uneven wear, or mismatched brands that might suggest low-quality replacements. Additionally, the 2021 advisories regarding pitted and scored brake discs should be investigated to confirm if the discs and pads were replaced or if they remain in a degraded state. Check for brake shudder under deceleration and inspect the discs for heavy corrosion or grooving. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that oil and filter changes have been performed according to the manufacturer's schedule, as calendar-based fluid degradation is a risk for this vehicle's age.