2009 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · AV09 EPX

The most recent DVSA roadworthiness examination for this Vauxhall Zafira was conducted on 22 October 2025 and resulted in a PASS, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. This continues a generally stable maintenance trend at the official test level, with passes recorded in October 2025, October 2024, and October 2023. It is worth noting that two of the more recent tests show a fail entry on the same date as a subsequent pass on 24 October 2024 and 23 October 2023, suggesting that minor advisory items or rectification work was completed between the failure and the same-day retest on each occasion. Overall, the absence of recorded advisories over the past three test cycles indicates that the braking system, suspension, tyres, lighting, and exhaust components have not been flagged for monitoring, which is reassuring for a vehicle of this age and mileage. The recorded mileage of 127,818 miles across roughly seventeen years equates to an average annual usage of approximately 7,500 miles, which is broadly typical for a family-oriented multi-purpose vehicle and consistent with moderate mixed-condition driving. There are no obvious extended gaps in the mileage progression evident from the recent test history, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being left standing for prolonged periods. This pattern is mechanically favourable, as consistent use helps prevent the deterioration of seals, gaskets, and brake components that often occurs when a vehicle is left idle. Nevertheless, at this odometer reading, general wear should be expected on high-mileage consumables such as the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, timing chain or belt service items, and suspension bushes, all of which fall outside the scope of the MOT but warrant consideration during a pre-purchase appraisal. Given the clean MOT record, a prospective buyer should still carry out a thorough age and mileage-appropriate physical inspection. Check all four tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and verify that the manufacturing date on the sidewall is not excessively dated. Examine the brake discs for any lipping or scoring around the outer edges, and confirm that the calipers are releasing fully by ensuring the wheels rotate freely when cool. Inspect the underside and suspension components for fluid seepage from the engine, gearbox, and power steering system, paying particular attention to the rear axle area for signs of corrosion, which is a known vulnerability on Zafira chassis of this generation. Listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, as worn anti-roll bar drop links and lower wishbone bushes are common at this mileage. Finally, given the calendar age of the vehicle, verify the service history independently and ensure that time-based fluid replacements have been carried out regardless of the recorded mileage. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable should be renewed at manufacturer-recommended intervals, as moisture absorption and chemical degradation reduce their effectiveness over time. Inspect the 12-volt battery for signs of corrosion around the terminals and check that the charging system is operating within specification, as standing periods even of a few weeks can prematurely age a battery. Examine the exhaust system for any signs of corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, and confirm that the cabin and engine air filters have been recently replaced. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician, including an electronic diagnostic scan for any stored fault codes and a compression test on the petrol engine, would be strongly advisable to confirm the mechanical integrity beyond the scope of the statutory MOT assessment.