2018 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · WN18 DCE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 14 May 2026, was passed but returned two advisories – a minor oil leak that is not excessive and a slight seepage from the power‑steering pipe or hose. Earlier in the series of tests the vehicle suffered a dangerous tyre‑sidewall failure in 2022 and a pair of daylight‑running‑lamp failures in 2021, but those issues have been resolved and the subsequent three years have shown only non‑dangerous advisories. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stabilising; the vehicle now passes without failure, yet the recurring oil‑leak and power‑steering seepage indicate that some components are approaching the end of their service life and will likely require corrective work soon. At 84 386 miles the Combo has averaged roughly 10 500 miles per year over its eight‑year life, which sits comfortably within the normal usage envelope for a light‑commercial van of this age. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity that would suggest severe calendar‑age degradation, nor is there evidence of a sudden mileage surge that would accelerate wear on high‑stress items such as the clutch, gearbox or suspension. The mileage therefore points to a vehicle that has been used at a moderate, consistent rate, implying that wear on consumables should be proportionate to age rather than excessive mileage. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the source of the oil leak and the power‑steering hose condition. Inspect the engine bay for fresh oil stains around the valve cover, oil filter housing and the lower sump; any pooling on the ground when the vehicle is parked is a sign that the leak may be worsening. The power‑steering pipe should be examined for wetness, cracking or corrosion at the fittings, and the fluid level in the reservoir should be topped up and checked for foaming, which can indicate pump wear. On a test drive listen for a whining or groaning noise that varies with steering angle, and feel for any pull to one side, both of which would suggest that the leak is affecting hydraulic pressure. The tyre history shows a front tyre close to the legal limit and previous sidewall lumps that required replacement; verify that all four tyres have at least 3 mm tread depth, uniform wear across the width, and no visible sidewall bulges, cracks or foreign objects. The dented nearside front rim and rear wheel‑arch dent should be checked for corrosion or cracked spokes, and the wheel arches inspected for rust that could compromise the body structure. The parking‑brake efficiency was noted as just meeting the minimum, so a functional test of the handbrake should be performed to ensure it holds the vehicle firmly on an incline without excessive effort. Finally, confirm that the battery is securely mounted, as an insecure battery can lead to intermittent electrical faults and premature loss of charge. Verify that the daylight‑running lamps now operate correctly and that the headlamp lenses are free of moisture. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough inspection of the suspension bushings, coil springs and shock absorbers for any signs of leakage, cracking or excessive play is advisable; a clunk or squeak over bumps would indicate worn bushings. Check the condition of the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have adequate thickness, especially since the parking‑brake system required adjustment in the recent MOT. Time‑based services such as coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil should be refreshed if the service book shows intervals exceeding 24 months, and a full service history should be requested to confirm that these fluids have been changed at appropriate intervals. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the van’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.