2014 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · WM63 LGC

The 2014 Vauxhall Combo presents a stable but heavily deferred maintenance picture. The most recent MOT passed on 30 June 2022 at 118,740 miles, yet that pass was marginal, with multiple suspension bush advisories carried over from the failed test just seven days earlier. The vehicle has not been tested since, meaning it is now over four years beyond its last MOT. No current certificate exists, and the car cannot be legally driven on public roads until a fresh test is completed. The trend is not improving; it is stagnant, with known faults left to deteriorate unchecked. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story of a van that has been largely stationary since mid-2022. Between the failed test on 23 June 2022 at 118,172 miles and the pass on 30 June 2022 at 118,740 miles, only 568 miles were covered in a week, which is consistent with a repair run rather than daily use. Prior to that, the van covered roughly 19,648 miles in the twelve months between July 2021 and June 2022, which is high for a small commercial vehicle of this age. Before July 2021, mileage progression was far more subdued, with just 22,638 miles added between July 2020 at 75,888 miles and July 2021 at 98,526 miles. The sharp drop-off after June 2022 suggests the van may have been parked up for long periods, which itself introduces risks such as seized brakes, perished rubber components, and fuel system condensation. The recurring theme across every MOT since 2021 is suspension deterioration. Front lower arm bushes, rear trailing arm bushes, and rear shock absorber bushes have appeared repeatedly, progressing from advisory-level wear to outright failure points. A fractured offside front coil spring was flagged in the July 2021 failure, which is a serious structural concern that can cause sudden ride-height collapse or tyre sidewall damage. Any prospective buyer should have the front and rear suspension inspected on a ramp, paying close attention to the condition of all bushes, the integrity of both coil springs, and whether the shock absorbers are leaking or knocking. The rear brake advisories from 2022 also warrant attention; binding or unevenly worn rear brakes can indicate seized calipers or a sticking handbrake mechanism, both of which are common on this platform. Beyond the MOT record, the absence of any test since June 2022 means there is no documented evidence of the vehicle's condition for over four years. A pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough underbody examination for corrosion, particularly around the rear subframe mounting points and inner wing arches, as well as a check of the exhaust system for leaks or deterioration. The tyre condition should be verified across all four corners, including the spare if fitted, given the recurring advisory on the offside rear. Brake fluid condition and coolant level should also be assessed, as prolonged standing accelerates moisture absorption in brake fluid and can lead to internal cooling system corrosion. This van's history suggests it was worked hard and then neglected; a buyer should price that risk accordingly.