2002 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9L Diesel · M7 JEK

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift towards worsening mechanical suspension and steering issues. While it passed the most recent January 2026 test at 225,533 miles, the tester identified multiple advisories that were not present in the previous 2024 inspection. This suggests that while the van is currently legal for the road, the aging rubber components and ball joints are now reaching the end of their operational life. The mileage pattern is consistent with a well-used commercial vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 9,400 miles per year. The record shows steady usage with a 7,465-mile gap between January 2024 and December 2024, and another 7,736 miles covered between December 2024 and January 2026. This regular interval indicates the vehicle has not sat for long periods, though the high mileage of 225,533 miles places significant stress on the drivetrain and structural sub-frame components. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the front end geometry. The January 2026 test flagged play in the nearside front track rod end and the offside front anti-roll bar linkage, alongside a worn nearside sub-frame pin or bush. These issues will lead to poor steering precision and uneven tyre wear if not addressed. Furthermore, the severely deteriorated nearside front outer CV boot is an immediate concern as grease loss will lead to rapid overheating and failure of the drive shaft joint. The brakes and tyres also require attention. The most recent record noted both front tyres nearing the legal limit with uneven edge wear, which points to an alignment issue or worn suspension bushes. Given the pitted offside front brake disc noted back in early 2024, the buyer should check the thickness and level of corrosion on all rotors to ensure they have not thinned beyond safe limits during the high-mileage interval.