2018 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · SH67 CWD

A mechanically quiet and stable record defines this 2018 Vauxhall Combo, with the most recent assessment on 27 February 2025 returning a clean pass and no advisories or defects recorded whatsoever. That outcome follows a similar pass on 12 January 2023, establishing a genuine three-year run of roadworthy test results. Notably, the entries for 11 January 2024 and 13 December 2022 both show a fail immediately followed by a pass on the same date, which is a common pattern when a vehicle is presented for test, fails on a minor item, is repaired on site or in the adjacent bay, and is then re-presented within the same testing session. The absence of any recorded defect comments across all five entries suggests that where failures occurred, they were straightforward rectification items rather than structural or mechanical concerns, leaving no documented pattern of recurring advisories or chronic wear points to flag. Against an eight-year age span, the recorded 61,332 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 7,666 miles, which sits squarely within the expected range for a light commercial vehicle of this type. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual or near-annual entries from late 2022 through to early 2025, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than laid up for extended periods. This regular usage pattern is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it tends to keep seals, gaskets, and brake components exercised, and reduces the risk of deterioration associated with prolonged standing such as brake disc corrosion, dry-started bearings, or seized calipers. The mileage progression between tests, while not itemised in the data, is consistent with steady working mileage rather than any sudden jump that might suggest tow-bar towing abuse, conversion misuse, or odometer irregularity. For a prospective buyer, the absence of documented advisories means there are no specific components flagged for follow-up, but that should not lead to complacency given the working-van nature of this model. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the front suspension, listening for knocking or clonking over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as Combo vans of this generation are known to wear front wishbone bushes and drop links prematurely under load. Check for uneven tyre wear across both axles, which can indicate alignment issues, worn suspension arms, or sagging coil springs at the rear. At low speed, feel for any pulling to one side under braking, which would suggest a binding caliper or uneven brake pad wear, and listen for any rhythmic grinding or scraping from the rear drums if the parking brake feels weak or ineffective. Equally important is a thorough underbody and structural inspection, given that no corrosion advisories are recorded but light commercial vans frequently carry heavier loads than their passenger counterparts. Inspect the rear leaf spring hangers, the spare wheel well area, and the inner sills for any surface rust or underseal bubbling, as vans of this age often begin to show corrosion in load-bearing areas before it appears on the main body panels. Examine the engine bay for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or sump, and check the coolant reservoir level and condition, as neglected cooling system maintenance is common on working vehicles. Finally, confirm the operation of all interior and load-area lighting, the rear door hinges for sagging, and the condition of the rear bumper and tailgate, as cosmetic damage on these vans frequently goes unrepaired. A clean MOT history is encouraging, but a hands-on mechanical inspection remains essential before committing to purchase.