# Vauxhall Combo Life — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Vauxhall Combo Life on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/vauxhall-combo-life

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2020
- **Ideal trim**: Energy
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–55,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £14,500

## Why this model

The Vauxhall Combo Life is a fantastic choice if you need a really practical, spacious, and economical family car without breaking the bank. It's essentially a van with windows and seats, which means you get a huge boot, plenty of headroom, and sliding rear doors that are brilliant in tight car parks or when loading kids. It's comfortable enough for longer trips and the diesel engines are known for being very fuel-efficient, making it cheap to run. It might not be the most stylish car out there, but for sheer utility and value, it's a solid contender.

## What you should pay

For a 2020 model, prices have settled nicely after the initial depreciation. The market for these practical family vehicles remains strong, but you can find good deals now that they're a few years old. Aim for a well-maintained example around the £14,000-£15,000 mark for the mid-range Energy trim. Prices will vary based on mileage, condition, and specific options, but don't be afraid to haggle a little.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Energy' trim hits the sweet spot for value. It comes with a good amount of kit without pushing the price up too much. You'll typically get things like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, air conditioning, cruise control, and rear parking sensors. It feels much less basic than the entry-level SE but doesn't have the premium price tag of the Elite, which often adds features you might not strictly need. It's the perfect balance of comfort, tech, and affordability.

## What to check before you buy

- AdBlue system faults (check warning lights and service history)
- DPF issues if mainly used for short journeys
- Infotainment system glitches (minor software bugs)

## Running costs

Running costs for a 2020 diesel Combo Life are pretty good. You can expect around 50-60 mpg, which at current diesel prices (around 160p/litre) works out to roughly 12-14 pence per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2020 model will be £180 per year. Insurance will depend on your personal circumstances, but it's generally in a lower to mid-range group, making it affordable for families. Servicing costs are also reasonable for a Vauxhall.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Diesel
- **Horsepower**: 100-130 hp
- **Mpg**: 50-60 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good
- **Safety Rating**: 4-star Euro NCAP (2018)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SE | £20,500 | £12,500 | 8-inch touchscreen infotainment; DAB radio; Bluetooth |
| Energy | £22,000 | £14,000 | All SE features plus:; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; Cruise control |
| Elite | £24,500 | £15,500 | All Energy features plus:; Satellite navigation; Dual-zone climate control |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £14,500 | 100% |
| 2027 | £12,500 | 86% |
| 2028 | £11,000 | 76% |
| 2029 | £9,800 | 68% |
| 2030 | £8,800 | 61% |

Buying a 2020 model means you're past the steepest part of the depreciation curve. These cars lose a lot of their value in the first 2-3 years, so picking one up at 3-4 years old means someone else has taken the biggest hit. From here, the value loss will be more gradual, making it a sensible purchase if you plan to keep it for a few years.

Total value lost since new: 39%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Citroen Berlingo](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/citroen-berlingo.md)
- [Peugeot Rifter](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/peugeot-rifter.md)
- Ford Tourneo Connect

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.