2013 Vauxhall Adam 1.4L Petrol · L1 GHV

A recurring theme of suspension‑related wear runs through the MOT record, with the off‑side front anti‑roll bar ball joint flagged for slight play in both the 2024 and 2026 tests and light oil misting noted on the rear shock absorbers in 2024. Those items sit alongside an oil leak advisory from 2025 and a water‑pump‑suspect leak the same year, indicating that the vehicle’s primary wear points are centred on the suspension and engine‑bay sealing systems rather than on structural or safety‑critical components. The latest test in August 2026 was a pass, but the persistence of the anti‑roll bar advisory suggests the issue has not been rectified and may be progressing. At 87,089 mi the car averages roughly 6,700 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a thirteen‑year‑old van. MOTs have been carried out roughly annually with no significant gaps, implying the vehicle has been kept on the road rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This steady kilometre accumulation means wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components will be in line with expectations for its age, but the recorded advisories point to specific areas where the mileage‑related wear may be accelerating. When inspecting the vehicle, pay close attention to the off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage; a noticeable clunk when the steering wheel is turned or a vague looseness in the steering feel can confirm the ball‑joint play noted in the MOTs. The rear shock absorbers should be examined for oil residue on the shock bodies or wheel arches, and a test‑drive over uneven road should reveal any softening of the ride or excessive bounce. The oil leak flagged in 2025 warrants a visual check for drips beneath the engine bay and a wet spot on the sump or valve cover, while the suspected water‑pump leak may manifest as coolant pooling around the front of the vehicle or a sweet smell after the engine is warmed. Brake wear also merits scrutiny: the near‑side front pads were recorded as three‑quarters worn in 2021, so the pad thickness should be measured and the pedal response tested for any judder or reduced bite. The missing rear wheel stud noted in 2021 should be verified and, if still absent, the wheel should be inspected for wobble or uneven wear. Finally, confirm that the rear fog lamp now operates and that the near‑side front headlamp aim is within legal limits, as both were cited in the 2021 failure. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection that addresses these specific points will give a clear picture of any imminent repair costs and the overall roadworthiness of the van.