2017 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · LS67 NUX

This 2017 Vauxhall Vivaro presents a worsening mechanical trajectory despite holding a current MOT passed today. The most recent test on 2025-06-16 at 63,739 miles initially failed on a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber and worn rear arm bushes on the front suspension arm, before passing later the same day. This immediate retest pass following major suspension defects strongly suggests the minimum repairs were executed to secure the certificate, leaving the underlying wear pattern unaddressed. The vehicle’s maintenance trend is actively deteriorating. Mileage accumulation sits at a typical average of roughly 7,082 miles per year, reaching 63,739 miles today. The record shows a steady progression, covering 6,168 miles between November 2023 and July 2024, then a further 6,200 miles up to June 2025. There are no significant gaps or periods of static mileage indicating long-term standing, meaning the van has seen regular duty. This consistent use aligns with the escalating wear items appearing across the recent tests. Front suspension components dominate the failure history and demand close scrutiny. The November 2023 test at 53,371 miles flagged excessively worn nearside front lower ball joints, anti-roll bars likely to detach on both sides, and a failing offside front top mount. By July 2024, worn front anti-roll bar D bushes appeared as advisories, culminating in the June 2025 failure for leaking front shock absorbers and worn front rear arm bushes. A buyer must physically inspect the front suspension subframe, drop links, and top mounts for premature wear, verifying the work done between the June 2025 fail and pass actually resolved the fluid leak rather than just masking it. Brake and tyre issues further highlight a pattern of deferred upkeep. The November 2023 failure recorded excessively binding rear service brakes on both sides alongside an offside front tyre worn to the legal limit. Binding rear calipers often indicate seized sliders or neglected sliding pins, which rapidly destroy brake discs and pads. A thorough inspection of the rear caliper operation, disc condition, and front tyre tread depth is essential to ensure these previously failed consumables were properly rectified and not merely cleaned up for the test.