2003 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8L Petrol · LX53 AEN

The 2023‑09‑19 MOT confirms the Zafira remains road‑worthy, with only minor advisories recorded. Since the 2022‑09‑29 failure the vehicle has passed three consecutive tests, each noting only oil seepage, light misting of oil on the offside rear shock absorber and a parking‑brake efficiency shortfall, suggesting a stabilising maintenance pattern. No structural failures or emissions breaches appear in the most recent record, indicating that previous critical defects have not re‑emerged. The recorded mileage of 137,032 miles corresponds to an average annual increase of roughly 5,958 miles, a figure that is low for a 23‑year‑old model. The log shows a near‑annual testing cadence, with several consecutive entries in 2018 (124,279 miles on 2018‑09‑21 and 124,248 miles on 2018‑09‑14) and repeated tests in 2015 at 116,957 miles, indicating that the owner kept the car in the testing queue despite low usage. Mileage increments are modest, reflecting regular use rather than long periods of standing. Recurring items include a persistent oil leak noted since 2014, light misting of oil on the offside rear shock absorber, and progressive wear of rear brake discs and pads. The 2015‑09‑30 failure listed a broken offside rear coil spring (2.4.C.1a) and exhaust back‑box corrosion, while the 2018‑09‑14 failure recorded exhaust carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon levels exceeding limits and a Lambda reading outside specification. Earlier tests also flagged near‑side front tyre perishing, edge wear and a parking‑brake efficiency shortfall, and the 2022‑09‑09 failure highlighted exhaust emissions likely affected by an exhaust leak. A buyer should examine the rear suspension for binding calipers, worn bushes and the condition of the offside rear shock absorber, and verify that the parking‑brake mechanism holds securely. Inspect the brake discs on both front and rear axles for scoring, pitting or excessive wear, and check pad thickness. Look for exhaust rust along the centre‑to‑rear section, confirm that the heat shield is secure, and assess the condition of the rear registration plate and surrounding metal for structural integrity. Finally, test the headlamp intensity, verify that all rear lamps function, and conduct a visual check for oil seepage around the engine and transmission.