VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 200 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,355
£113/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1355/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 6 years old, 90% of VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/Ss from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 200 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 65,602 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
65,602
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S has 65,602 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 2022 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2020 sits between the two at 90%.
VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S
The 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 200 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 65,602 miles at 6 years old, VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S Reliability Trend
The VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S
At 6 years old, the VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2020 VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE EDITION S/S(2020) | 90% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1355 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2018) | 92% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482+£127 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£5 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2018) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Vauxhall Models
Explore other Vauxhall cars or similar models in the same category.
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2013 · 1700cc Diesel
VAUXHALL MOKKA
2015 · 1364cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
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