2014 Vauxhall Combo 1.6L Diesel · GV14 HMF

The Vauxhall Combo holds a valid MOT following the May 2026 test at 90,229 miles, yet the maintenance trend is worsening rather than resolving. The tester flagged multiple front-end advisories, including worn lower suspension arm rear bushes on both sides and slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. A year earlier, in April 2025 at 83,308 miles, the tester noted the exact same suspension bush wear and added deteriorating shock absorbers to the advisories. This progression indicates that basic front-end upkeep was skipped, allowing consumable wear to advance into the damping components. Covering roughly 7,519 miles per year, the mileage pattern reflects consistent, light commercial use without significant periods of standing or sudden high-mileage accumulation. Between May 2023 at 69,621 miles and May 2024 at 78,081 miles, the van covered 8,460 miles. The subsequent year to May 2025 saw a drop to 5,227 miles, before climbing back to 6,921 miles by the May 2026 test. This steady accumulation places typical wear and tear on the front suspension and drivetrain, though the recurring mechanical advisories suggest the servicing did not match the distance covered. A buyer must inspect the front suspension components in person, focusing on the lower suspension arm rear bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and shock absorbers. The persistent wear in these areas points to a previous owner deferring necessary replacements. The oil leak, an advisory consistently recorded from May 2023 through to the most recent May 2026 test, requires immediate investigation; a leak tolerated for three years risks contaminating other components or causing long-term drivetrain damage. Although the front brake discs were flagged as pitted and scored in May 2024, they passed the subsequent May 2025 and 2026 tests, yet a physical inspection remains prudent to check for lip wear and uneven corrosion. Finally, the failed exhaust emissions test in May 2024 for excessive smoke on a non-turbo engine warrants a compression check or a thorough inspection of the fuel and ignition systems to rule out underlying engine wear.