2017 Vauxhall Viva 1.0L Petrol · SH02 ARM

This Vauxhall Viva has maintained a stable MOT history over the past five tests, though the most recent inspection on 6 March 2026—just four months ago—revealed two critical failings that warrant immediate attention. The near-side rear tyre exhibited severe perishing or cracking in the sidewall, a defect that poses an instant risk of blowout and one that should have been addressed before the test date. The front exhaust mounting bracket, meanwhile, showed advanced corrosion, compromising structural integrity and likely contributing to exhaust gas leaks. These issues suggest the vehicle was driven despite known faults, a red flag for negligence. The previous test in March 2025 was clean, but the nail in the near-side rear tyre indicates a lack of proactive maintenance—tyres were not inspected or replaced despite the embedded foreign object. No defects were recorded in the 2024, 2023, or 2022 tests, implying the vehicle had been relatively well-maintained until the past year. The recorded mileage of 25,571 miles over nine years—approximately 2,841 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gaps between tests are consistent, with roughly 12-month intervals between each MOT, but the mileage progression shows no spikes or sudden increases, which might have indicated aggressive driving or deferred maintenance. The lack of higher mileage figures also means some components, such as suspension bushes and brake pads, may have been underutilised, potentially masking wear that could now be latent rather than obvious. However, the low mileage does not negate the need for thorough inspection of high-wear items, as corrosion and material fatigue can still develop over time regardless of distance travelled. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection focusing on the rear tyres, particularly the near-side wheel, to confirm the sidewall damage has been repaired or replaced with a new tyre of the same specification. The front exhaust mounting bracket’s corrosion should be examined for further deterioration, with attention to whether the bracket has been replaced or if the exhaust system has been modified to bypass the defect. Given the nail in the rear tyre from the 2025 test, the tread depth and condition of all four tyres must be verified, as well as the wheel rims for signs of past punctures or improper repairs. Suspension components, including coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, should be checked for uneven wear or leaks, as these are often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles but can degrade due to age-related material fatigue. Finally, the brake system—particularly the rear calipers—should be inspected for binding or excessive noise, as the 2025 test did not record any brake-related advisories but wear can accumulate silently.