2015 Vauxhall Adam 1.4L Petrol · AF65 XML

A pattern of minor steering joint and front brake wear has emerged across the MOT history of this Vauxhall Adam, with the most recent test on 26 May 2025 passing cleanly and the May 2026 examination recording no defects at all, suggesting the front-end components have either been attended to or have not yet deteriorated to advisory level. The earlier 2024 test logged minor defects on both nearside and offside front track rod end ball joint dust covers, which by definition still prevented dirt ingress at the time of examination, and the 2025 test returned an advisory for a pitted or scored front brake disc. The absence of any structural corrosion advisories, suspension coil spring failures, exhaust integrity issues, or lighting defects across five recorded tests points to a broadly sound structure, with the wear pattern concentrated entirely on the consumable front-end geometry and friction components typical of a car that has covered urban and suburban mileage. At roughly 8,700 miles per year over an eleven-year lifespan, the recorded 95,662 miles sits squarely in line with average usage for the model and age bracket, ruling out both the extended standing periods that can degrade brakes, seals and battery condition and the high-mileage wear that accelerates clutch, gearbox and engine wear. There is one notable gap in the MOT sequence, with no test recorded between September 2022 and May 2024, which could reflect a period off the road through the SORN process or simply a change in testing cycle rather than any mechanical issue. Mileage progression between recorded tests appears consistent and there is no evidence of clocked or inconsistent readings within the available data. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the front suspension and steering assembly, specifically the track rod ends whose dust covers were already showing deterioration at the last relevant test. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate failed ball joints rather than merely perished dust covers. With the steering off-centre, check for any play or looseness before reaching full lock in either direction and feel for vibration or wander that might point to wear beyond the dust cover stage. The front brake disc that was noted as pitted and scored should be examined by feel through the wheel for a prominent lip on the outer edge and tested dynamically for any judder or pulsing through the brake pedal under firm stopping, as a scored disc will often telegraph vibration at higher pedal pressures and may now be approaching the minimum thickness limit. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough check of the rear brake shoes and drums is worthwhile given the front wear pattern, as uneven braking balance on this model can sometimes point to a binding or underperforming rear caliper mechanism. Inspect all visible underbody and subframe areas for any surface corrosion that has not yet progressed to advisory level, paying particular attention to suspension arm mounting points and the exhaust downpipe section where the 1.2 or 1.4 engines fitted to the Adam are known to suffer early surface rust. Confirm the tyre tread depths and ensure even wear across both axles, as the relatively modest annual mileage should not produce significant inner or outer edge wear unless tracking or suspension geometry has been disturbed by the steering components already noted in the history.