Three Generations, Three Different Vans

The Vauxhall Vivaro has gone through significant changes across its three generations, each with distinct strengths, weaknesses, and price points.

First Generation Vivaro (2001 to 2014)

Built on a shared platform with the Renault Trafic. The 2.0 CDTi engine in 84PS and 114PS is the standard unit.

Prices

  • 2008 to 2014: £3,000 to £9,000

Common Issues

  • Timing chain stretch: The 2.0 CDTi's timing chain stretch is the major issue. A failed chain causes catastrophic engine damage. Budget for inspection if buying pre-2012. Replacement: £600 to £1,200
  • Injector seals: Leaking seals cause blue smoke. Seal replacement kits: £50 to £150 plus fitting
  • Clutch wear: Replacement £400 to £700
  • Gearbox selector cables: Can stretch or snap. Fix cost: £80 to £150

Second Generation Vivaro (2014 to 2019)

New bodyshell with the 1.6 CDTi BiTurbo. More economical but with its own known issues.

Prices

  • 2014 to 2017: £7,000 to £16,000
  • 2017 to 2019: £10,000 to £20,000

Common Issues

  • EGR cooler failure: Can crack, mixing coolant with exhaust gases. Check for white smoke and check coolant level. Repair: £600 to £1,500
  • DPF blockages: Urban driving causes problems. Look for DPF warning lights in history
  • EDC gearbox clutch actuator failure: Replacement £400 to £700
  • Rear door hinge corrosion on high-mileage examples

Third Generation Vivaro (2019 Onwards)

Now on the PSA (Stellantis) platform with new 1.5 and 2.0 BlueHDi engines. Also available as the Vivaro-e electric van.

Prices

  • 2019 to 2021: £14,000 to £24,000
  • 2022 onwards: £18,000 to £30,000
  • Vivaro-e (electric): £20,000 to £32,000

What to Check on Any Vivaro

  1. Gen 1: Timing chain history - make or break
  2. Gen 2: Coolant level and colour (milky = EGR cooler issue)
  3. All: Check under the van for chassis and subframe rust
  4. Check the load area floor condition
  5. All electrics and central locking

Verdict

Gen 1 is cheap but high-risk. Gen 2 is popular but needs careful EGR cooler checking. Gen 3 is the best of the three - start here if budget allows. The Vivaro-e is worth considering for local delivery with charging infrastructure available.

What should you check before buying?

Before you travel to see a used vauxhall vivaro — common faults to check, build a short checklist and compare the advert against real evidence. Photos and seller claims are useful, but paperwork, condition and price comparisons matter more.

  • MOT history, mileage pattern and signs of hard delivery use
  • load area damage, sliding doors, locks, suspension and clutch condition
  • ULEZ suitability, payload, insurance group and service intervals
  • finance status and whether the seller is a trader or private individual

How much should you budget after purchase?

Van running costs depend on mileage, payload, tyres, brakes and clean-air-zone use. Price the vehicle as a working tool, not just a cheap advert. If the seller cannot answer basic questions or the documents do not match the vehicle, it is usually better to walk away and compare another example.

How do you judge fair value?

For commercial vehicles, downtime can cost more than a slightly higher purchase price. Compare similar age, mileage, payload and service-history examples before deciding what looks cheap. For a used vauxhall vivaro — common faults to check, look at the full ownership cost rather than only the asking price. A strong example should have evidence that supports the advert: matching documents, sensible mileage, clear condition photos and answers that remain consistent when you ask follow-up questions.

If two examples look similar, choose the one with better history and fewer unknowns. A bargain with missing records, urgent repairs or vague ownership can quickly become more expensive than a tidier vehicle from a straightforward seller.

What are the main red flags?

  • missing inspection or service paperwork
  • fresh paint over rusty chassis areas or obvious leak marks
  • seller pressure to leave a deposit before a proper viewing
  • unclear VAT, finance or ownership position

None of these automatically proves a vehicle is bad, but each one should slow the deal down. Ask for evidence, compare another listing and avoid paying a holding deposit until the basics have been checked.

Questions to ask the seller

When you enquire about a used vauxhall vivaro — common faults to check, ask the same questions in writing before you travel. How long has the seller owned it? Why is it being sold? What recent work has been done? Are there faults, warning lights, finance agreements or missing documents? Will it be cold when you arrive for a start-up check?

Clear answers save wasted journeys. If the seller avoids simple questions, changes the story or pushes for quick payment, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if this used vauxhall vivaro — common faults to check is priced fairly?

Compare similar UK listings by age, mileage, specification, condition and history. A low price is not automatically a bargain if finance, accident history or overdue maintenance is involved.

What checks should I do before viewing?

Check MOT history, ownership details, mileage pattern, outstanding finance, insurance category markers and whether the advert photos match the written description.

When should I walk away?

Walk away if the seller avoids basic questions, the paperwork does not match, the vehicle is warm before a cold start, or the history has unexplained gaps.

Related Mobeo guides

If you are comparing more than one used vehicle, these guides are also worth reading before you arrange a viewing.