# Vauxhall Vivaro Life — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Vauxhall Vivaro 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-vivaro-life

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2020
- **Ideal trim**: Elite
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–60,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £24,500

## Why this model

The Vauxhall Vivaro Life is a fantastic choice if you need serious space and practicality. It's essentially a comfortable passenger version of the Vivaro van, meaning it's built to be robust and handle a lot of use. You get loads of room for passengers and luggage, making it perfect for large families or anyone who regularly carries a lot of gear. It's also surprisingly comfortable for a van-based MPV, and the diesel engines offer decent economy for its size.

## What you should pay

For a 2020 Vivaro Life, you're looking at a sweet spot where the initial depreciation hit has largely passed, but you still get a relatively modern vehicle. Prices for a well-maintained 2020 Elite trim with around 40,000-60,000 miles should be in the £23,000-£26,000 range. Be prepared to negotiate, especially if the car has been on the forecourt for a while, but don't expect huge discounts as these are practical, in-demand vehicles.

## Which trim to buy

The 'Elite' trim is definitely the one to go for. It adds a lot of creature comforts that make long journeys much more pleasant, like a better infotainment system, climate control, and often more flexible seating options. It feels less like a van and more like a proper family car, without a massive jump in price compared to the lower trims on the used market. You get a lot more for your money in terms of features and comfort.

## What to check before you buy

- AdBlue system faults
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issues if mainly used for short journeys
- Wear on suspension components due to vehicle weight
- Minor electrical glitches

## Running costs

Running a diesel Vivaro Life is pretty reasonable for its size. Fuel costs will be around 6.8p per mile (based on 45 mpg and diesel at £1.50/litre). Road tax (VED) for a 2020 model will be around £190 per year. Insurance will vary, but budget £500-£800 annually depending on your personal circumstances. Servicing costs are generally moderate, similar to other large Vauxhalls.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Diesel
- **Horsepower**: 120-180 hp
- **Mpg**: 40-50 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Good
- **Safety Rating**: 4 Stars (Euro NCAP 2019)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Edition | £28,500 | £18,500 | DAB radio; Bluetooth; Cruise control |
| Business Edition | £32,000 | £21,000 | 7-inch touchscreen infotainment; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; Rear parking sensors |
| Elite | £37,500 | £24,500 | Leather upholstery; Heated front seats; Satellite navigation |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £24,500 | 100% |
| 2027 | £22,000 | 90% |
| 2028 | £19,800 | 80.8% |
| 2029 | £17,800 | 72.6% |
| 2030 | £16,000 | 65.3% |

Buying a 2020 model means you're past the steepest part of the depreciation curve. New cars lose a huge chunk of their value in the first couple of years. By picking a 3-4 year old Vivaro Life, you're letting someone else take that initial hit, and the value loss from here on will be much more gradual, making it a smart financial move.

Total value lost since new: 34.69%.

## Alternatives to consider

- Peugeot Traveller
- Citroen Spacetourer
- [Ford Tourneo Custom](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/ford-tourneo-custom.md)

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