2016 Vauxhall Meriva 1.4L Petrol · SA16 XGD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than preventative upkeep. While it passed the test on 12 December 2025 at 57,843 miles, it had failed that same day due to headlight misalignment, corroded artwork springs, and worn rear brake discs. The requirement to rectify headlamp aim immediately after failure suggests that mechanical faults are only addressed once they trigger a failure, rather than during routine servicing intervals. At 57,843 miles, the Meriva has covered relatively low mileage for its ten years, averaging approximately 5,800 miles per annum. There is a notable gap in recorded mileage between November 2022 (41,778 miles) and September 2024 (49,373 miles), during which less than 8,000 miles were covered over two years. This low-frequency use often correlates with the corrosion observed on rubber and metal components, which is consistent with the defects found in the suspension system. A buyer should personally inspect the rear suspension assembly closely, as the December 2025 test identified corrosion on both the nearside and offside vital springs. Although these were replaced for the pass, the presence of corrosion indicates an environment prone to salt buildup. Furthermore, the braking history reveals a pattern of neglect, with worn front discs failing in August 2024 and pitted rear discs flagged in late 2025. The current state of the remaining pads and rotors should be verified to ensure the low mileage has not led to seizing or excessive rusting of the braking hardware.