2010 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · WN60 LLP

The most recent DVSA examination on 26 June 2023 resulted in a PASS, although the test was immediately preceded by a FAIL on 21 June 2023 requiring remedial work on the brake lever reserve, reversing lamp, offside headlamp dipped beam, offside drive shaft CV boot, and offside registration plate lamp. The five-day turnaround suggests the vehicle was repaired and resubmitted without major difficulty, and the subsequent pass with only advisories indicates the rectification was carried out satisfactorily. However, the advisory items recorded at the pass are not insignificant: a deteriorating front registration plate, a slightly damaged nearside obligatory mirror, a minor exhaust gas leak, and corrosion or contamination on both rear brake pipes. The recurring brake pipe advisories are particularly noteworthy as they suggest a developing corrosion issue on the rear hydraulic circuit, which would warrant close physical inspection of the pipework for surface rust, weeping joints, or perished flexible hoses. The overall pattern across recent tests shows a stable but advisories-laden vehicle, with no worsening trend in terms of major failures but a consistent history of items approaching or at the advisory threshold. With sixteen years of age and 172,838 recorded miles on the odometer, this Combo has covered approximately 10,800 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a light commercial vehicle of its vintage. The MOT gap between the July 2019 test and February 2021 represents a nineteen-month interval during which annual mileage accumulation may have been reduced, though the relatively even annual progression thereafter suggests consistent use. At this combined age and mileage, mechanical expectations must account for wear on both time and distance dependent components. The 2022 advisory noting oil leakage from the engine, combined with the earlier 2021 fail for an excessively leaking engine sump, indicates the sump gasket or sealing area has been a chronic weak point and should be inspected for active seepage, oil staining on the undertray, and any signs of recent sealing work. The oil leak was not classed as excessive at the 2022 test, suggesting it may have been addressed with sealant or gasket replacement, but residual staining is likely. The advisories recorded at the 2021 and 2018 tests give a clear indication of progressive wear across the front suspension and steering assembly. The track rod end ball joint, suspension component ball joint, front anti-roll bar linkage, and steering rack were all flagged with slight play at various intervals, and while none were categorised as excessive, these components typically deteriorate further with continued use. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for vagueness or wandering in the steering, uneven front tyre wear, and any binding or stiffness when turning from lock to lock. The offside front shock absorber light misting noted in 2018 would suggest checking for any further hydraulic fluid leakage, corrosion on the damper body, or reduced damping efficiency through bouncing the front of the vehicle. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes advisory from 2021 and the trailing arm bush wear from 2018 point to similar age-related degradation at the rear, and a thorough inspection of all rubber bushes for cracking, splitting, or excessive movement is advised. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a comprehensive physical inspection given the vehicle's age. The front brake disc pitting and scoring noted in 2021 means the discs may now be at or approaching their wear limit, particularly given the heavy commercial use implied by the mileage, and both disc thickness and lipping should be measured. The 2023 advisories on the rear brake pipes require careful examination for corrosion perforation, and the handbrake mechanism and rear caliper sliding pins should be checked for seizure given the likely prolonged standing periods during the MOT gap. The tyres should be inspected closely for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades over time, and a spare should be checked for condition and pressure. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as a sixteen-year-old vehicle is well beyond typical battery service life even with periodic replacement, and all fluid services including engine coolant, brake fluid (which absorbs moisture over time and should be renewed regardless of mileage), manual transmission or clutch fluid, and engine oil should be verified by service records. Finally, the underside and structural subframe should be examined for the corrosion flagged in 2021, paying particular attention to mounting points, jacking areas, and suspension turrets, as commercial vehicles of this age are prone to underfloor corrosion that may not be immediately visible without a ramp inspection.