2016 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · N9 CDT

The dominant mechanical story emerging from the MOT history is a recurring failure of the suspension components, with three separate coil‑spring fractures recorded between 2021 and 2024 and a near‑side front track‑rod end noted as having excessive play. The most recent test on 12 September 2025 passed without defects, indicating that the vehicle was roadworthy at that date, but the earlier pattern of major suspension failures suggests that the underlying wear may re‑appear if the original causes have not been fully rectified. At 95,300 miles for a ten‑year‑old 2016 Vauxhall Vivaro the annual average of roughly 9,500 miles sits within a typical usage envelope, and the MOT records show regular annual testing with no prolonged gaps. This mileage level places the vehicle in a regime where wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension bushings is expected, and the recorded advisories on rear tyre edge wear and thin front brake pads align with that mileage. The relatively steady kilometre accumulation does not, in itself, indicate abnormal stress, but the combination of mileage and the documented suspension failures means that the load‑bearing elements should be inspected for fatigue. A prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the front and rear coil springs, the near‑side front track‑rod end, and the associated mounting points. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any uneven ride height or excessive body roll, and check that the steering feels solid without wandering. Visual inspection should confirm that the springs are intact, that there is no corrosion or cracking at the spring seats, and that the track‑rod end bushings are tight with no visible play. The 2023 failure for excessive oil leakage and a non‑functional engine MIL light also warrants a thorough check of the engine bay for fresh oil stains, dripping from gaskets or seals, and verification that the warning light illuminates correctly on the dashboard. Brake pad wear was flagged as thin on both front wheels in 2023, and rear tyres were close to the legal limit in 2022, so the buyer should examine the brake discs for scoring, ensure the pads have sufficient remaining thickness, and confirm that the rear tyres still have adequate tread depth and even wear across the tread width. The near‑side front windscreen damage recorded in 2024 should be inspected for cracks that could propagate, and the near‑side front position lamp must be confirmed as operational. Addressing any lingering suspension or oil‑leak concerns before purchase will reduce the risk of unexpected downtime and provide a clearer picture of the vehicle’s remaining service life.