2013 Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0L Diesel · RE62 FRE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive mechanical upcare. The most recent test in August 2024 at 190,118 miles shows a vehicle that initially failed due to an inoperative nearside parking brake. While this was rectified to achieve a pass, the tester noted play in both track rod ends and the offside front suspension arm ball joint. This indicates that suspension components are only being addressed once they reach a failure point rather than through scheduled preventative maintenance. At 190,318 miles, this 13-year-old van has averaged approximately 14,600 miles per year, which reflects heavy commercial use over its lifespan. There is a significant surge in usage between February 2023 and August 2024, where the vehicle covered 26,131 miles in just eighteen months. This rapid accumulation of mileage places immense strain on the drivetrain, engine, and cooling systems. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests suggests the vehicle was in constant operation during this period, which often accelerates the wear of rubber bushings and braking components. A buyer must inspect the front suspension and steering system closely, as the record shows recurring issues with steering rack inner joints in 2021, progressing to ball joint and track rod play by 2024. The braking system shows a history of neglect, with thin pads and pitted discs noted in 2022, followed by a total parking brake failure in 2024. Physical inspection should verify that the calipers are not binding and that the parking brake mechanism has been fully serviced beyond just the previous fix. Given the high mileage, a thorough check of the chassis for structural corrosion is also essential, as these are common failure points on the Vivaro platform when subjected to heavy annual mileage.