2012 Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0L Diesel · MM02 UTM

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 24 November 2025 recorded a pass with no advisories or defects, which on the surface suggests the vehicle is currently roadworthy. However, examining the broader history reveals a pattern of brake and suspension related failures that any prospective buyer should weigh carefully. In November 2024 the vehicle failed on a fractured offside rear coil spring and an illuminated ABS warning lamp, while also receiving an advisory for a binding offside rear service brake. Earlier still, in November 2023 the van failed on an excessively corroded offside front brake pipe, and in November 2022 it failed on a corroded offside rear brake pipe with an advisory for thinning front brake pads. The cluster of corrosion advisories on the rear brake system in 2022 followed by ABS and suspension faults in 2024 indicates a maintenance trend that was deteriorating through that period, even if the most recent pass has restored a clean status. The latest clean test should therefore be regarded as a positive but relatively recent development rather than evidence of long term mechanical stability. The recorded mileage of 123,259 miles on a fourteen year old vehicle equates to roughly 8,800 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a light commercial of this age and is unlikely to raise concerns on its own. There is no obvious evidence of extended standing periods, which is beneficial because Vivaros used primarily for short delivery cycles tend to suffer from brake binding and undertray corrosion, whereas high mileage examples of this age would normally show additional wear on the dual mass flywheel, clutch and turbocharger. The mid range annual usage here is reassuring for the drivetrain, but the corrosion related brake failures recorded in the MOT history demonstrate that age rather than distance alone has been driving wear on certain chassis components. A prospective buyer should carry out a careful physical inspection with particular focus on the brake system, as this is the area where the van has repeatedly attracted advisories and failures. The November 2024 advisory noted the offside rear brake binding slightly but not excessively, which on a test drive would manifest as a brake that feels reluctant to release, causing the van to pull slightly to one side on a lightly loaded overrun or producing a faint dragging smell from the rear wheel after driving. Ask the seller to confirm whether the rear caliper has been overhauled or replaced since 2024, as a binding caliper left unchecked will overheat the rear brake components and prematurely wear the shoe or pad material. The 2022 advisories for corroded brake pipes and thinning front pads also warrant a close look underneath; check the visible brake lines along the chassis rails and rear axle for surface rust and flaking, and inspect the front pads through the wheels to confirm adequate friction material remains. Beyond the recorded defects, attention should also turn to age related items not always captured by the MOT. Even with reasonable mileage, a 2012 van is well into the period where original rubber components begin to perish, so inspect the tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and checking, particularly on the rear axle which carries loads, and replace any tyres over six years old regardless of tread depth. Request evidence that the brake fluid, coolant and timing or auxiliary belt have been serviced within the recommended calendar intervals, as Vivaros of this generation are known for timing belt neglect on vans used commercially. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as a van that has had multiple brake and ABS faults could have placed repeated demand on the charging system. Finally, on a test drive listen for any clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over speed bumps, as the fractured offside rear coil spring recorded in 2024 may indicate that the nearside spring and rear bushes are approaching the end of their service life, and verify that the ABS warning lamp extinguishes promptly on start up and stays off throughout driving.