2003 Vauxhall Combo 1.7L Diesel · LB03 BOJ

The Vauxhall Combo’s most recent MOT test on 2021-10-02 confirms it remains roadworthy at 110,826 miles, though the absence of defects across all five tests—including a duplicate pass in 2018—suggests either meticulous maintenance or a vehicle that has avoided critical wear. The lack of advisories or recurring faults implies no obvious pattern of neglect, but the final test date of over four years ago (2021) means the vehicle has not undergone a roadworthiness check since. Given its age and mileage, this prolonged gap introduces uncertainty about how components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers have degraded since the last inspection. The recorded mileage of 110,826 miles over 23 years equates to approximately 4,800 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The intervals between tests—ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 miles—are consistent with light usage, though the abrupt duplication of the 2018 test (passed twice on the same day) is unusual and may indicate administrative confusion rather than mechanical repetition. The steady accumulation without sharp spikes suggests the vehicle has not been driven excessively, but it also raises questions about whether it has been stored improperly, which could accelerate issues like suspension corrosion or battery degradation. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The lack of advisories does not preclude wear—binding calipers or uneven brake discs could develop without failing an MOT if they are not severe enough to trigger a test failure. Structural integrity, especially around the sills and wheel arches, should be scrutinised for corrosion, as rust can compromise the vehicle’s safety without immediate MOT consequences. Finally, the brakes—though not explicitly failed—warrant attention; failing twice on tyre tread in past tests (if any) suggests basic upkeep may have been overlooked, so tread depth and pad thickness should be verified.