2014 Vauxhall Meriva 1.6L Diesel · NG14 UTJ

The Vauxhall Meriva’s most recent MOT test on 28 January 2026—just six months ago—confirms it passed without defects, though it failed a retest on 6 January 2026 at 82,092 miles for an unspecified reason. This suggests a clean record for the past two years, with no recurring advisories or major faults. The December 2022 tests, however, reveal a rare but notable pattern: the vehicle failed at 67,620 miles before passing at 67,621 miles, indicating a minor but unresolved issue at that stage. Overall, the trend is stable, with no evidence of worsening mechanical concerns, though the retest failure raises a question about whether a specific component was overlooked or temporarily out of adjustment. The recorded mileage of 82,100 miles over 12 years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 6,842 miles annually. There are no significant gaps in service or abrupt spikes, though the 2025 test is notably absent—an unusual omission given the vehicle’s age. The December 2022 tests, occurring just hours apart, imply either a rushed inspection or a component that fluctuated between pass/fail thresholds, such as a marginal brake or suspension issue. No advisories or defects appear in the available records, which is unusual for a vehicle of this mileage, suggesting either meticulous maintenance or a lack of pre-MOT attention to wear items. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components, particularly rear bushes and coil springs, as these often fail without warning in this model. The retest failure hints at a potential brake or steering issue, so binding calipers, uneven brake pad wear, or worn suspension bushes should be checked. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is also critical, as this Meriva model is prone to structural rust. Finally, verify the exhaust system for leaks or damage, as catalytic converter failures can trigger retests without obvious defects. The absence of advisories in recent tests is reassuring, but physical inspection remains essential to confirm hidden wear.