2017 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4L Petrol · AJ17 GGA

A pattern of brake and tyre wear advisories defines the mechanical story of this Zafira, with the 2023 test standing out as a notable exception where tyre condition triggered both a Major and a Dangerous defect on the nearside front, alongside cuts and a nail on the rears. That aside, the vehicle has returned a pass on every recorded test, and the most recent examination on 12 June 2026 was a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting that the immediate roadworthiness position at the time of test was satisfactory. The intervening advisories, however, show a recurring theme: front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in May 2024, rear brake pads followed in June 2025, and both front tyres were simultaneously noted as being worn close to the legal limit at the same 2025 test. This progression of consumable wear across two consecutive annual tests indicates that braking components and tyres are working through their service life at a predictable pace for a vehicle of this age and mileage, and that a buyer should expect these items to require attention in the near term. With eight tests recorded against approximately 64,957 miles, the average annual accumulation sits at roughly 7,200 miles, which is broadly typical for a nine year old MPV of this type and points to steady rather than exceptional use. There are no extended gaps in the testing history and no sudden mileage jumps between tests, meaning the recorded odometer readings form a consistent progression that supports the authenticity of the mileage. Mechanically, this level of use tends to produce wear on suspension bushes, anti roll bar links, coil springs and the rear axle assemblies, as well as steady consumption of brake discs and pads, all of which align with the advisory patterns observed. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the braking system on a test drive. With rear pads noted as thin in mid 2025 and front pads noted as thin in mid 2024, the discs should be inspected for lipping, hot spots and surface corrosion, particularly on the rear axle where uneven pad wear can cause binding calipers that manifest as pulling under braking or a handbrake that fails to hold on an incline. A firm pedal with no sponginess and even stopping without judder would be reassuring, while any grinding, vibration through the steering wheel or a low brake pedal would warrant immediate further inspection. The tyre condition recorded across 2023 and 2025 warrants close scrutiny. A cut reaching the ply on the offside rear and a Dangerous tread depth finding on the nearside front in 2023, followed by both front tyres being close to the limit in 2025, suggests that the vehicle has been hard on its front axle rubber, which is consistent with the tracking and suspension loads typical of a front wheel drive MPV carrying family loads. On inspection, all four tyres should be checked for uneven shoulder wear, which would point to misalignment or worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes or drop links. On the road, any clonking over speed bumps, wandering in a straight line, or steering that fails to self centre would be consistent with worn front suspension items that the MOT history hints at through the tyre wear pattern. The exhaust, underbody and subframe areas should also be examined for corrosion, as Zafiras of this generation are known to develop surface rust on suspension arms and rear axle components, even when no advisories have yet been recorded.