2010 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · WM59 LLP

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 May 2025 returned a PASS, but only after the vehicle had failed the previous day on items of genuine structural and safety concern. The 6 May 2025 failure cited a windscreen washer providing insufficient fluid and, more seriously, an excessively corroded offside rear suspension mounting area at the sill end, described as significantly reducing structural strength. The subsequent pass retained the insecure battery as a Minor and recorded several advisories that warrant close attention, including a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel, perishing damage to the offside front tyre, a severely deteriorated nearside front inner CV joint boot, and a corroded offside rear coil spring. Looking at the broader pattern, the 2022 and 2021 tests passed without advisories, but from 2023 onwards the record shows a steady accumulation of brake, suspension, and oil leak advisories, plus a Dangerous failure for a bald offside front tyre and an excessively worn track rod end, together with a Major defect on an offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush in 2024. The trend is therefore one of gradual deterioration rather than a stable or improving maintenance profile, with structural corrosion now appearing for the first time at the rear sill. With around 103,078 miles recorded against a 2010 registration, the vehicle averages roughly 6,442 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age. There is no large unexplained mileage gap between consecutive tests, although annual mileage does fluctuate from period to period, suggesting a mix of shorter urban trips and occasional longer runs. Annual mileage on its own is unremarkable, but given the calendar age of sixteen years, the focus must be as much on time-related degradation of rubber, seals, fluids, and corrosion-prone structural areas as on distance-based wear. The combination of moderate annual mileage and advancing age is consistent with the advisories recorded, particularly the appearance of coil spring corrosion and the sill corrosion failure, both of which are commonly seen on vehicles operating in the UK climate for this length of time. The rear sill corrosion flagged on the 2025 test is the most serious concern. It caused a fail as a prescribed area excessive corrosion item significantly reducing structural strength, and although the subsequent pass implies some form of repair or reinforcement was carried out, the area should be physically inspected on a ramp or with the wheels removed, looking for any patch welding, underseal hiding perforations, or fresh underseal applied over active rust. On the road, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear under load over uneven surfaces, which could indicate compromised rear suspension mountings or bushes that have shifted following the corrosion. The offside rear coil spring recorded as corroded should also be examined, as surface corrosion on coils can progress to cracking and breakage, typically presenting as a sudden drop in ride height on one corner or a metallic creak over bumps. The corroded swivel pin and bush advisory from the same period and the earlier lower arm bush Major failure suggest the front suspension has been progressively fatiguing, so any wandering, uneven tyre wear, or knocking under braking and over potholes should be treated as urgent investigation points. The CV joint boot deterioration is another item to address promptly. A perished boot will allow grease to escape and moisture and dirt to enter, leading to rapid failure of the constant velocity joint itself, typically heralded by a clicking or knocking noise on full lock turns that worsens under acceleration. Inspect the inner boot for fresh grease splashes around the joint and any splits in the rubber. Brake condition has been a recurring advisory theme, with front disc wear and front pad wear noted across 2023 and 2024, so confirm current pad material thickness and check the discs for lipping, hot spots, or scoring, particularly feeling for brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application. Oil leaks, both from the engine and gearbox, were recorded as advisories rather than failures, but they should be monitored, as seals on a 16-year-old vehicle tend to worsen gradually and may eventually drip onto exhaust components or the subframe. Beyond the recorded items, age-appropriate checks should include the condition and age of the 12V battery, the date codes and any perishing or cracking on all four tyre sidewalls regardless of tread depth, brake caliper slide pins and carriers for seizing given possible periods of light use, the condition and replacement history of coolant, brake fluid, and timing or auxiliary drive belt, and verification that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals for both time and mileage.