2009 Vauxhall Combo 1.2L Diesel · WP09 XYK

The 2009 Vauxhall Combo presents a stable but corrosion-prone maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT pass recorded on 25 February 2026 at 120,894 miles. That pass was not clean. The tester flagged corroded rear coil springs on both sides and an offside front brake pipe corroded and contaminated with grease or other material. The same corrosion items had already caused a fail the previous day at 120,893 miles, alongside an exposed ply or cords advisory on the offside rear tyre. The vehicle passed on the second attempt, suggesting the tyre was replaced and the brake pipe cleaned or treated, yet the corroded coil springs were carried forward as advisories rather than replaced. This indicates a pattern of managing corrosion rather than resolving it. Mileage accumulation sits at roughly 7,111 miles per year, which is typical for a working light commercial van of this age. The record shows a notable gap between the October 2021 test at 116,632 miles and the September 2022 test at 118,497 miles, representing just 1,865 miles over nearly twelve months. That suggests a period of light use or possible standing time. From September 2022 to February 2026, the van covered only 2,397 miles across almost three and a half years, confirming very low recent utilisation. Low mileage can reduce mechanical wear but often accelerates corrosion, particularly on suspension components, brake lines, and structural underbody areas that benefit from regular heat cycling and movement. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection focused on the rear suspension. Corroded rear coil springs have appeared in every MOT from October 2021 through February 2026, affecting both nearside and offside units repeatedly. This is not a one-off advisory. Persistent coil spring corrosion on a van of this age raises legitimate concerns about structural integrity under load, particularly if the vehicle is used for carrying weight. The offside front brake pipe corrosion flagged in February 2026, described as covered in grease or other material, warrants close examination. Contamination of brake pipe corrosion can mask the true extent of wall thinning, and any pitting or flaking along the pipe run should be assessed by a qualified technician. The front sub-frame corrosion noted in September 2022, described as not seriously weakened at that time, should be re-inspected given the four-year gap and the van's ongoing exposure to corrosion-inducing conditions. Beyond the MOT-specific items, the history of both rear shock absorbers leaking fluid seriously in October 2021, combined with repeated coil spring corrosion, points to a rear suspension system that has endured sustained environmental stress. Even if the shocks were replaced after that fail, the surrounding hardware, including bump stops, spring seats, and lower arm bushes, should be checked for deterioration. The recurring tyre wear advisories, including the exposed ply fail in February 2026, suggest possible alignment issues or uneven loading habits. A four-wheel alignment check and a close inspection of inner and outer tyre sidewalls are advisable before purchase.