2009 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · WN09 GZR

The defining mechanical story of this 2009 Vauxhall Combo is a long and otherwise clean MOT record interrupted by a single coolant leak failure at the most recent test on 25 June 2024, where a major fluid leak posing a risk to other road users or the environment was recorded under item 8.4.1 (a) (i). That same date also shows a re-test pass, indicating the leak was rectified, but it is the only major failure across eight recorded tests spanning 2018 to 2024. The advisories logged alongside that event are equally notable: play in the steering rack inner joint and worn offside front seat pins. The remainder of the documented history from 2018 through 2023 shows five consecutive clean passes with no advisories, so the record has shifted from immaculate to carrying active wear concerns within a single test cycle rather than reflecting a gradual build-up over time. Mileage accumulation across the recorded tests shows 79,806 miles over 17 years, equating to roughly 4,694 miles per year, which is well below average for a working van of this type and is more consistent with a light duties or low-utilisation profile. The annual progression of 4,000 to 5,000 miles between tests is steady and there are no sudden spikes, no missing test years, and no prolonged absence from the road that would suggest extended storage. Mechanically, this usage pattern typically translates to lower wear on drivetrain components, clutches and brake friction material, but it can bring its own risks in the form of dried seals, perished rubber bushes, surface corrosion on brake discs from infrequent heavy braking, and degradation of fluids that have aged rather than been worked through. Given the coolant leak identified in 2024, particular attention should be paid to the condition of hoses, the water pump, the radiator matrix and any evidence of sealing compounds having been used as a repair, as aged coolant systems on low-use vans can develop brittle components and slow seepage around joints. A prospective buyer should approach the steering rack advisory as a priority inspection point, as play in the inner joint indicates wear within the rack assembly itself rather than a simple track rod end issue. On a test drive, this typically manifests as a slight notchiness or slack felt through the wheel when turning slowly at low speed, occasional clonking over uneven surfaces, and uneven tyre wear across the front pair. The worn offside front seat pins should be physically checked by rocking the seat base to detect lateral movement, as a failed pin on a 17-year-old van can compromise seat security under load. Given the low annual mileage, brake discs are likely to show lipping and surface corrosion even if friction material remains adequate, so a road test should include firm stops to confirm the pedal feels solid with no judder or pulsing, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle on a moderate incline without excessive travel. The coolant leak failure warrants a thorough under-bonnet examination before purchase, including inspection of the radiator, expansion tank, all visible hose connections and the area around the water pump for fresh staining, crusty residue or evidence of recent sealant use. Because the failure was recorded as a major item, the vehicle could not legally be driven away in that condition, meaning a repair was carried out; verify the quality and integrity of that work, as low-mileage vans of this age are prone to repeat cooling system issues once seals begin to fail. On a longer test drive, monitor the temperature gauge closely for any upward creep, listen for cooling fan operation after shutdown, and check the expansion tank for any signs of pressure or discoloured coolant. Finally, given the 17-year age of the vehicle, a structural inspection underneath for corrosion on the subframe, sill seams and brake pipe runs is advisable, as these are areas not necessarily captured within MOT advisory data but typical failure points for vans of this vintage.