2016 Vauxhall Viva 1.0L Petrol · OW16 AAJ

The vehicle's recent MOT history shows a declining trend in maintenance standards. While the car passed consistently between 2019 and 2025, the most recent testing cycle in July 2026 indicates emerging mechanical and consumable issues. The failure on 15 July 2026 at 49,664 miles, which flagged a nearside front anti-roll bar issue and critically low engine oil, suggests a lapse in routine preventative maintenance. Although the vehicle passed a retest on 16 July 2026, the inspector noted that both nearside and offside front tyres remain worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges. The mileage accumulation is low for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,966 miles per year. Between June 2025 and July 2026, the mileage increased from 39,934 to 49,664, representing a jump of nearly 10,000 miles in just thirteen months. This sudden increase in usage contrasts with the much slower growth seen in previous years, such as the 4,279 miles covered between June 2024 and June 2025. This shift in driving patterns may explain why the vehicle is now presenting with more frequent wear-related defects. A prospective buyer should focus on the tyre condition and suspension components. The MOT record shows a recurring pattern of tyre issues, with sidewall cracking and perishing noted in 2022 and 2023, followed by edge wear on the front tyres in 2026. This suggests the vehicle may have experienced alignment issues or simply long periods of inactivity followed by sudden use. The recent failure of the nearside front anti-roll bar warrants a physical inspection of the entire front suspension assembly to check for worn bushes or loose linkages. The report of very low engine oil during the July 2026 failure is a significant concern for a low-mileage engine. You should check for signs of oil leaks around the gasket areas and monitor the oil consumption levels. While the vehicle has a clean history from 2019 to 2025, the recent combination of suspension, tyre, and fluid level issues indicates that the previous owner's attention to basic servicing has diminished.