Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 200 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,674
£140/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
1499cc Diesel
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £1,674/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.
90% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/Ss from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 200 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 65,602 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
65,602
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S had 65,602 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 90%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S by Year
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About the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S
The 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S is a van. Our records list a 1499cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 200 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 65,602 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
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 £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £1,674 (£140/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £200 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.
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.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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.
Questions about the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S
Is the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/Ss ended in a pass, from 200 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,674 a year (£140 a month): £1,219 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S?
90% of 200 MOT tests on the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1828th of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (bottom half).
Which year Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 2020 the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Vauxhall Vivaro Life Edition S/S is 65,602 miles, which is well above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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