2002 Opel Zafira 2.0L Petrol · AE52 XTK

The 2002 Opel Zafira presents a stable and reassuring maintenance trend, having passed its most recent MOT on 26 September 2025 at 177,423 miles with no defects recorded. The day prior, on 25 September 2025 at 177,422 miles, a test was recorded as a failure yet also shows no defects, which typically indicates a retest following a minor rectification or an administrative anomaly rather than a genuine mechanical fault. Looking back through the history, the vehicle passed cleanly in September 2023 at 168,581 miles and again in September 2022 at 156,643 miles, establishing a consistent pattern of defect-free presentations across at least three consecutive test cycles. This suggests the previous keeper has maintained the car to a standard that meets minimum roadworthiness requirements without recurring issues triggering advisories or failures. The mileage accumulation tells an interesting story about how this Zafira has been used in recent years. Between the September 2022 test at 156,643 miles and the September 2023 test at 168,581 miles, the car covered 11,938 miles in roughly twelve months, indicating regular daily use. However, the subsequent two-year gap to the September 2025 test at 177,423 miles shows only 8,842 miles added, dropping the annual average to approximately 4,421 miles per year. This slowdown suggests the vehicle has transitioned to lighter, possibly local use or has spent periods standing. Across its full life, the 177,423 miles recorded over roughly 24 years gives an annual average of around 7,393 miles, which sits comfortably within typical expectations for a vehicle of this age and does not raise concerns about excessive wear or suspiciously low standing time. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should approach this Zafira with a thorough physical inspection focused on components that deteriorate with age regardless of test outcomes. The 24-year-old structure warrants close examination for corrosion, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, subframes, and floor pans, as these areas on the Zafira can develop hidden rust that an MOT may not always capture if surface-level only. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers should be checked for deterioration, given that rubber components perish over time even with low mileage. Brake discs, pads, and calipers need inspection for corrosion and binding, especially if the car has been standing for periods. The exhaust system, engine mounts, and drivetrain boots should also be examined, as age-related cracking and perishing can develop between tests. The clean record implies attentive ownership, but a hands-on inspection remains essential to verify that the mechanical reality matches the paper history.