2018 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · LE18 LLJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 August 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, continuing a consistent run of pass certificates since the only previous failure in July 2021 for an offside stop lamp not working. That earlier failure was a straightforward electrical bulb replacement and carries no ongoing mechanical concern. Reviewing the full history, the vehicle has demonstrated a stable maintenance pattern, passing five consecutive tests, with the only flagged items being a trio of minor tyre advisories issued in July 2023 concerning nearside and offside front tyre wear and a shallow nearside front tyre sidewall cut. The absence of any repeat advisories relating to suspension, braking, corrosion, or structural integrity across six years of testing suggests the vehicle has been kept in sound roadworthy condition, though the persistent absence of recorded advisories on a high-mileage commercial-derived vehicle could equally indicate that wear items are being rectified prior to test rather than being flagged at all. With approximately 104,841 miles recorded over eight years, this Vauxhall Combo has covered around 13,105 miles annually, which is notably high for a passenger vehicle of this age and points toward sustained, frequent use typical of light commercial or fleet operation. This level of mileage means that engine, transmission, clutch, and turbo components (if applicable to the specific model variant) will have experienced considerably more wear than a lower-mileage equivalent. High annual mileage also accelerates the depletion of brake discs and pads, suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and drivetrain mounts, and shortens the service life of timing chains, water pumps, and clutch assemblies. The mileage progression between tests appears relatively consistent, with no extended standing periods that would otherwise raise concerns about brake seizure, fluid degradation, or battery failure. For a prospective buyer, the clean MOT history from 2025 should not lull you into complacency given the high mileage, and a thorough physical inspection is strongly advised. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any clunks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, control arm bushes, or bottom ball joints, all common wear items on a vehicle of this mileage. Listen for any clonking from the engine bay on start-up which could suggest worn engine or gearbox mounts, and be alert to steering vagueness, knocking on full lock, or uneven front tyre wear which could point to worn suspension components or steering rack wear. Check that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping under load or noise on engagement, and ensure the gearbox selects all gears cleanly without excessive lever vibration. Given the high usage profile and calendar age, several time-based service items should also be verified irrespective of the favourable MOT record. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing or cracking from age, even if tread remains, as eight-year-old tyres can deteriorate structurally regardless of remaining tread depth. Examine the front brake discs for any lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting, and confirm the calipers are releasing cleanly without binding, a common issue on high-mileage light commercial vehicles. Check the 12V battery for its age stamp and test its resting voltage, as batteries in frequently used vehicles still have finite life. Finally, verify that brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable transmission oil have been changed in line with calendar intervals rather than purely mileage, and request full service history documentation to confirm that consumable items such as the cambelt or timing chain, spark plugs, and filters have been renewed at the manufacturer-specified intervals appropriate to this high-mileage application.