2016 Vauxhall Vivaro 1.6L Diesel · VE65 HPV

The most recent MOT, dated 6 January 2025, was passed but recorded a number of advisories – notably tyre damage on the nearside rear outer, near‑limit wear on the off‑side front tyre, wear on the front suspension arm pin and bush, and slight play in the front track‑rod ball joints – together with a reduced intensity of the nearside front position lamp. Over the six‑year record the vehicle moved from a major failure in July 2021 (multiple lighting, seat‑belt and washer‑system faults) to clean passes in 2020, 2021 (August), 2023 and 2024, and now a pass with only advisory items in 2025, indicating an overall improvement in maintenance and defect resolution. At ten years old the Vivaro has logged 177,846 miles, averaging roughly 17,800 miles per annum – considerably above the typical UK van usage of 10‑12 000 miles a year. This high annual mileage suggests the power‑train, suspension and braking components have been subjected to sustained wear, and any periods of low use are likely short. The elevated mileage also accelerates tyre tread depletion, rubber ageing, and the likelihood of corrosion on suspension parts such as the off‑side rear coil spring already noted as corroded in 2023. Prospective owners should therefore anticipate that consumables may be nearing the end of their service life and that underlying wear could be more advanced than mileage alone would suggest. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the tyre condition: examine the sidewalls for cuts, bulges or cracking, verify tread depth across all four wheels, and confirm that the off‑side front tyre is not excessively worn on the edge. Check the front suspension arm bushes, track‑rod ball joints and the rear coil spring for any looseness, corrosion or excessive play by applying firm pressure to the wheel and listening for clunks. Verify that all position lamps, especially the nearside front unit, illuminate correctly and that the rear lamps and reflectors function without white‑light leakage. The seat‑belt on the off‑side front should retract smoothly and lock on rapid pull, and the windscreen washer system must deliver a steady spray; any hesitation or insufficient fluid flow could indicate a failing pump or a blocked nozzle. On a test drive listen for any metallic knocks when steering over bumps, which would point to worn suspension bushings or a deteriorating coil spring. Observe the steering feel for vague play that could stem from the ball‑joint advisory, and watch the brake pedal for pulsation or shudder that might reveal warped discs after such mileage. Engine idle should be steady, and the transmission should shift without harshness or judder. Finally, have the battery tested for cranking amperage and check for any signs of electrolyte leakage, as a ten‑year‑old battery in a high‑mileage van may be nearing the end of its serviceable life. Addressing these items now will give a clearer picture of the van’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.