Used Vauxhall Vivaro for sale: everything you need to know
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a popular van in the UK, and it’s built here in Britain too, despite the latest 2019-models being based on the Citroen Dispatch. That similarity means it’s just as good as its platform-mate, though the British brand’s large dealer network may swing the Vauxhall in your favour.
Sharing its platform with the French vans also means that like those, Vauxhall now offers an all-electric version of the Vivaro, something that’s sure to expand its popularity among businesses wanting to go electric. Pre-2019 Vivaros, meanwhile, are quite different as they’re based not on a Citroen but on the Renault Trafic - though all generations are both useful and good to drive.
Should you buy a Vauxhall Vivaro?
Whether you’re looking at the Renault-based Vauxhall Vivaro sold up until 2019, or the Citroen-based van the Vivaro has been since, Vauxhall’s mid-sized van is still one of the most popular vans in the UK, with a mix of sizes, load ratings and powertrains that should cover most bases for owners and operators.
While it’s not especially important in a van, there’s a sense of pride from the Vivaro being quite a handsome vehicle too, with chunky, well-proportioned styling that carries over to the well laid-out interior - something that was further improved at the Vivaro’s 2024 facelift, with a wider infotainment screen, different vents, and a digital driver display.
We’ve listed the Vivaro’s dimensions and load space further down but suffice to say it’s competitive for the class. There are two body lengths, L1 and L2, and gross vehicle weights range from 2.7 to 3.1 tonnes. A load-through bulkhead on some models further improves utility. As for engines, it’s a mix of 1.5 and 2-litre diesels in the latest vans, plus an all-elecric model with two battery sizes - the larger of which promises 200 miles from a charge.
The Vivaro has plenty of siblings on its Citroen Dispatch platform, including the Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, and Fiat Scudo - all of which are largely identical, so your choice will come down mainly to brand loyalty, styling, and small differences in features. Its old platform-mate, the Renault Trafic, is also still well worth considering, while the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter remain very popular vans in this class.
What’s the best used Vauxhall Vivaro model to buy?
If the majority of jobs are around town then it’s worth looking out for the all-electric Vivaro-e models, as not only could they potentially save you a lot of money on fuel, but their quiet, smooth power delivery makes them easy and fairly stress-free to drive. The 50kWh model is cheaper than the larger battery 75kWh van, but the latter’s 205-mile official range may be extra peace of mind, particularly in the winter months. Of the diesels, the entry-level 120PS version is sufficient for light loads, but you might want to consider the 2-litre van if you regularly cover longer distances on motorways, or carry heavier loads.
Used Vauxhall Vivaro fuel economy and performance
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e 3100 136PS 50kWh: A 36PS electric motor and 50kWh battery pack is enough for a 13.1-second 0-62mph time and 143-mile range in the first of two electric Vivaros. 100kW rapid charging gets you from 0-80% charge in 30 minutes.
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e 3100 136PS 75kWh: You’ll find the same motor but a larger 75kWh battery pack in the other Vivaro-e. The extra weight means a slower 14.3-second 0-62mph time, but range extends to 205 miles. Charging speed is the same, but the larger battery means getting to 80% takes a little longer, at 45 minutes.
- Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 1.5 Turbo D 100: You can still get diesel in a Vivaro - the entry-level 1.5 turbodiesel develops 100PS and promises combined economy of 42.8mpg.
- Vauxhall Vivaro 2700 1.5 Turbo D 120: In 120PS form you get improved performance and only a small drop in economy to 42.1mpg.
- Vauxhall Vivaro 3100 2.0 Turbo D 145: A larger 2-litre turbodiesel engine provides 145PS, and 340Nm of torque. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available, the former managing 42.1mpg and the auto gets 38.1mpg.
What used Vauxhall Vivaro trim levels are available?
- The Vauxhall Vivaro Dynamic is where the Vivaro range starts, with standard spec including air conditioning and touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- The Vauxhall Vivaro-e Dynamic is the electric Vivaro trim line and its equipment levels match those of the regular Dynamic above - but there are obviously a few EV-specific features, such as a 7.4kW onboard charger, and an electric parking brake rather than the regular handbrake of the diesel.
- The Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive has a more stylish appearance with body-colour exterior details, wheel trims, and a FlexCargo through-load facility. It only comes with a diesel engine.
Used Vauxhall Vivaro dimensions and load capacity
The Vauxhall Vivaro’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4959mm (L2: 5,309mm)
- Width: 1920mm
- Height: 1905mm
The Vauxhall Vivaro’s load space volume is:
- L1: 5.3 cubic metres (maximum load floor length: 2512mm)
- L2: 6.1 cubic metres (maximum load floor length: 2862mm)
Used Vauxhall Vivaro road tax
VED for commercial vehicles like the Vauxhall Vivaro is currently set at £335 per year, or just over £177 every six months by Direct Debit. The exception is the Vivaro-e, which like electric passenger cars, doesn’t currently attract an annual fee. You still need to tax it, but it’s a zero-rate tax.
How much is it to insure a Vauxhall Vivaro?
Van insurance groups are typically higher than those of cars, but the Vivaro’s group ratings are similar to those of its rivals. A standard length Vivaro 2900 with the 1.5-litre, 100PS turbodiesel begins in group 35, rising to group 37 for a 120PS model and group 40 for the 145PS diesel. L2 versions are typically a group higher, model for model, while the Vivaro-e starts in group 41.
