2018 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · PA17 TED

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding mechanical seals and suspension. While it passed its most recent test in August 2025 at 89,149 miles, it failed just two days prior due to several critical issues. The failure report highlighted a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber, an inoperative engine management light, and a coolant leak. The presence of both oil and coolant leaks suggests the engine is beginning to suffer from age-related degradation that goes beyond routine preventative maintenance. The mileage pattern is consistent with a typical-use commercial vehicle, averaging approximately 11,000 miles per year over its eight-year life. The record remains relatively clean between 2021 and 2022, where no defects were recorded at 43,374 miles. However, the frequency of mechanical faults increased significantly after the 60,000-mile mark in 2023. The vehicle covered nearly 30,000 miles in the last two years, which coincides with the transition from clean inspections to accelerated wear on the drivetrain and suspension components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and engine bay. The 2023 test flagged wear in the Macpherson strut bushes, ball joints, and steering rack inner joints, indicating the front-end geometry is reaching its service limit. The recurring coolant and oil leaks noted in the August 2025 tests must be verified to ensure they are merely minor weeping and not signs of a failing head gasket failure. Furthermore, the engine management light that was inoperative during the last failure requires a scan with a diagnostic tool to ensure no hidden fault codes remain in the emissions system.