2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · SD60 AEU

The Vauxhall Zafira’s most recent MOT tests, conducted just nine months ago on 26 August 2025, reveal a stable but inconsistent maintenance pattern. The vehicle passed both its 2025 and 2024 tests without any recorded defects, yet the back-to-back failures at identical mileages—99,744 and 99,746 in 2025, 93,800 and 93,801 in 2024—suggest administrative or procedural issues rather than mechanical failure. No advisories or faults were logged, which implies the tester did not identify any critical issues during those tests. However, the repeated failures at nearly identical mileages warrant scrutiny, as they may indicate a test centre’s oversight or a deliberate attempt to bypass MOT requirements. The most recent pass on 26 August 2025 remains valid until 25 August 2026, providing a window of 11 months before the next test is due. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 6,200 miles per year aligns with typical usage for its age, though the gaps between tests are unusually tight. Between 2023 and 2024, the mileage jumped from 87,482 to 93,801—a 6,319-mile increase in just under a year—before another 5,945 miles were covered by August 2025. This pattern suggests consistent driving rather than prolonged neglect, but the abrupt failures at identical mileages in consecutive years could imply either a rushed pre-test service or a tester’s failure to detect minor but recurring issues. There is no evidence of extended periods of inactivity, which would typically show as larger mileage gaps or accelerated wear in consumables like tyres or brakes. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension components, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in vehicles of this age and mileage. The repeated MOT failures at identical mileages raise suspicion of undetected binding calipers or uneven brake pad wear, so the brake system—including discs, pads, and hydraulic lines—must be thoroughly checked for corrosion or uneven wear. Structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, should also be examined for corrosion, as this model is prone to rust-related failures. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions should be inspected for leaks or excessive smoke, as these are often overlooked until they fail an MOT. The absence of advisories in the record does not guarantee these areas are sound, so a detailed mechanical assessment is essential.