2013 Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0L Diesel · LO62 OOA

This thirteen year old Vivaro presents a largely compliant MOT history with eight tests recorded and no failures, but a closer look at the advisory entries reveals a developing front suspension and lighting story that a prospective buyer should not overlook. The most recent test on 16 June 2026 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, continuing the stable pattern seen through 2021, 2022 and 2023 where advisories were similarly absent. However, the 2024 and 2025 tests both surfaced items relating to the front strut assemblies, including light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, a damaged but not seriously weakened upper Macpherson strut mounting, and slight play in the nearside front upper strut mount. Two consecutive advisories on related front suspension geometry suggest the components are progressively wearing rather than reflecting an isolated event, and although neither tester deemed the items serious enough to fail, the trend warrants physical inspection. Recorded mileage stands at 123,867 miles across thirteen years, giving an annual accumulation of roughly 9,528 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical commercial use for a vehicle of this class and age. The testing record shows consistent annual or near-annual MOTs from 2018 through 2026 with no extended gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular service throughout its life rather than being laid up for long periods. One testing gap is visible between the February 2021 and April 2019 entries, but this simply reflects MOT exemption rules during that period rather than a period off the road. Steady commercial mileage of this nature tends to place proportionate wear on the braking system, clutch, dual mass flywheel (if fitted), steering rack and front suspension components, all of which align with the advisory items already observed. Given the recurring front strut and suspension advisories, a buyer should carry out a focused test drive paying particular attention to the front end over uneven surfaces, listening for clonking or knocking noises that would indicate worsening strut top mount play or worn Macpherson strut bearings. With the vehicle stationary, turn the steering lock to lock and feel for any binding, roughness or clonking through the wheel that could point to top mount deterioration beyond the advisory level. Inspect the offside front shock absorber visually for fresh oil weeping down the body, and check that the front suspension arms, which were noted as being of different construction in 2024, are not showing excessive play at the bushes. The nearside front tyre should be examined for any sidewall cracking or perishing that may have progressed since the 2024 advisory, and all four tyres should be checked for even wear patterns as uneven tracking can accompany worn front suspension components. The remaining advisory concerning a slightly discoloured nearside rear direction indicator is a minor cosmetic observation rather than a mechanical concern, but it is worth confirming that all indicators flash at the correct rate during the test drive, as a discoloured lens can sometimes mask a failing bulb. Beneath the vehicle, pay close attention to the front subframe and strut mounting points for any surface corrosion, which is common on commercial vehicles of this age and mileage, particularly around the Macpherson strut towers. Finally, given the steady high mileage, request a current brake disc and pad measurement, check for any binding calipers by feeling for uneven disc wear or excessive drag from a cold start, and confirm the exhaust system is solid, as these are routine wear items that accumulate with commercial use but would not typically appear as advisories until the next test.