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2008 Mercedes Vito 2.1L Diesel · SB51 SBB

SB51 SBB

2008 Mercedes Vito (2.1L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 2008. Recorded mileage 67,308 miles. MOT expired on 29 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.

Make & Model
MERCEDES VITO
Year / Origin
2008 · Glasgow
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 29 Oct 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
Recorded Mileage
67,308 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 2.1L
Reliability Guide
Available on IAGC
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 29 Oct 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Nov 2026
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2008
Engine
2148cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

Recurring issues with the braking system and lighting components define the mechanical profile of this Mercedes Vito, with the most recent test on 30 October 2025 showing a pass following a failure the previous day. The failure in late 2025 specifically identified a non-functional nearside main beam headlamp and significant parking brake inefficiency, with the brake being inoperative on one side. This follows a 2024 advisory regarding imbalanced rear brakes that required adjustment or repair, suggesting a persistent pattern of brake-related wear or component degradation that has required attention over several testing cycles. The vehicle has covered 67,308 miles over its 18-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 3,739 miles. This low annual mileage is notable for a commercial vehicle of this type and indicates a usage pattern that is significantly lower than the typical industry average. While lower mileage can reduce wear on high-friction components, it can also lead to specific issues such as the perishing or cracking of rubber components and tyres, a condition explicitly noted in the 2024 advisory regarding the rear tyres. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system during a test drive. Given the history of imbalanced rear brakes, pitted or scored brake discs, and the recent failure regarding parking brake efficiency, it is essential to check for any uneven braking force, pedal judder, or a pulling sensation when applying the brakes. The parking brake itself must be tested for its ability to hold the vehicle securely on an incline, as the 2025 failure indicates previous issues with one-sided inoperability. Furthermore, the repeated advisories for pitted and scored rear brake discs suggest that the braking hardware may be nearing the end of its service life or is subject to corrosion from infrequent use. Tyre condition and lighting functionality also require scrutiny. The most recent advisory from October 2025 flagged both front tyres as being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edges, which may indicate an alignment issue or suspension geometry problems. During a test drive, listen for uneven road noise or check for any steering pull that could suggest incorrect camber or toe settings. Additionally, verify that all lighting, including the main beam and indicators, is fully operational to ensure the previous major failure regarding the nearside headlamp has been adequately rectified.
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SB51 SBB Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 30/10/2025
  • 67,308 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (9 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

SB51 SBB MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 7 Sept 2026, 15:20
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2008 Mercedes Vito (SB51 SBB) between September 2022 and October 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 30 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (9 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 13 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake inoperative on one side Both sides (1.4.1 (a))”; “Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

SB51 SBB Mileage History

  1. 05/09/202260,753 mi
  2. 06/09/202363,493 mi+2,740 mi
  3. 24/09/202466,319 mi+2,826 mi
  4. 29/10/202567,298 mi+979 mi
  5. 30/10/202567,308 mi+10 mi

Average of roughly 2,080 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
60
/ 100 · Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Good MOT pass rate (80%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£850-£1,050
Mileage
At 67,308 miles, the Vito averages about...

Our Verdict

Caution is advised due to a recent MOT f

When evaluating this Vito, obtain a detailed service log to confirm whether the brake and tyre wear noted in the MOTs have been addressed. Verify that the headlamp and parking brake have been repaired following the 2025 failure, and ask for receipts or a mechanic's inspection report. It is sensible to negotiate a reduction in price to cover the cost of new tyres and possible brake work, as the MOT reports highlight worn front and rear tyres and brake disc wear.

Given the vehicle's age, ensure the diesel engine has had regular oil changes and that the emission control system (e.g., DPF) has been maintained, even though the MOT does not record these items. A pre‑purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic can identify any hidden corrosion or wear not captured by the MOT.

If the price reflects the need for tyre replacement and brake servicing, the Vito could still offer a practical, low‑mileage workhorse for light commercial use. However, be prepared for the typical maintenance costs associated with an 18‑year‑old diesel van.

The 2.1‑litre diesel engine in the Vito generally delivers fuel economy in the region of 45‑55 mpg, depending on load and driving style. Road tax for a diesel vehicle of this size and age typically falls into the higher band, around £200‑£250 per year.

Insurance groups for a 2008 Vito are usually in the mid‑range (group 19‑22), leading to annual premiums of roughly £600‑£800 for a standard driver profile. Routine maintenance, including brake pad and disc replacement and tyre renewal, can add another £200‑£300 per year on average.

Overall, an estimated annual running cost—including fuel, tax, insurance and typical maintenance—is around £850‑£1,050.

Pay particular attention to the front and rear tyres, as the MOT reports from 2024 and 2025 repeatedly note tyres worn close to the legal limit and even edge wear. Check for uneven wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension issues.

Inspect the braking system thoroughly. The MOT entries list rear brake disc wear, imbalance, and a binding service brake in 2024, as well as a parking brake failure in 2025. Verify the condition of all brake discs, pads, and the parking brake mechanism, and confirm that any required adjustments have been made.

Examine the near‑side headlamp assembly, which failed the main beam test in 2025. Ensure the bulb and wiring are functional and that the lens is free from obstruction or damage. While the MOT only recorded a product on the lens, a full visual check is advisable.

The 2008 Mercedes Vito has accumulated 67,308 miles, which is below the average annual mileage for a vehicle of its age. Its MOT record shows a recent pass in October 2025 but also a failure the day before for headlamp and parking brake problems, plus recurring tyre wear and brake wear advisories. While the low mileage is a positive, the pattern of brake and tyre issues indicates potential upcoming maintenance. Buyers should weigh the low usage against the cost of addressing the identified faults.

No aggregate reliability data is available for the Mercedes Vito, so specific model‑wide failure trends cannot be referenced.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns