2002 Vauxhall Combo 1.7L Diesel · NX52 CCF

The Vauxhall Combo’s most recent MOT test on 2025-03-20 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a pattern of near-misses rather than consistent neglect. Two consecutive failures in August 2022 and August 2023—each just 60 miles apart—suggest the vehicle narrowly avoided serious mechanical oversights, yet both times passed on subsequent retests within days. The lack of defects in the 2023 September and 2025 March tests implies the issues were either rectified promptly or were minor enough to resolve without leaving permanent damage. However, the repeated failures at similar mileage intervals (around 101,500 and 105,000 miles) warrant scrutiny of components prone to wear or corrosion, particularly if the same faults recurred. The mileage progression of approximately 7,173 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between tests are unusually short—just five months between the 2022 failures and a further five months before the 2023 retest. This suggests either a disciplined owner or a dealer managing the vehicle between tests, but the rapid accumulation of miles between failures (101,523 to 101,583 in five months) hints at rushed maintenance rather than diligent upkeep. The most recent test in March 2025, just 11 months ago, means the vehicle has not yet reached its next mandatory MOT due date, but the history indicates a tendency to push components to their limits before intervention. Given the near-failures, a buyer should prioritise inspecting the braking system for uneven wear or binding calipers, as these were likely the cause of the 2022 and 2023 rejections. The suspension—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these often fail in older vans without regular servicing. Structural integrity is also critical; the chassis rails and sills should be examined for rust penetration, especially around wheel arches and the rear overhang, where water pooling can accelerate deterioration. The exhaust system’s integrity must be verified, as leaks or broken hangers could have contributed to emissions failures. Finally, the tyres—failing twice on tread suggests basic upkeep was skipped—should be assessed for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate alignment issues or worn suspension components.