2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9L Diesel · AV60 DCE

A 2010 Vauxhall Zafira carrying 116,872 miles presents an unusual MOT narrative centred on a clean defect record paired with repeated early-March retest patterns. The most recent outcome on 11 March 2025 was a pass with no advisories or failures logged, and the previous pass on 15 February 2024 was equally clean. Notably, both 2024 and 2025 show a fail dated only days before the corresponding pass — 4 March 2025 and 8 February 2024 — yet no defects were recorded on either failure. This points to administrative or presentation issues at the original test (such as lighting, visibility for the examiner, or a missing item like the registration plate or wipers) rather than genuine mechanical defects, but it does mean the vehicle has been presented for test at least four times across two consecutive years. The absence of any advisories whatsoever across the entire MOT record is unusual for a Zafira of this age and mileage, where one would typically expect to see at least minor mentions of corrosion, tyre wear, or brake component ageing. Mileage accumulation is broadly typical for the vehicle's age, working out at roughly 7,300 miles per year over its 16-year life. The MOT coverage shows annual testing consistently since at least 2023, with no significant gaps in the recorded history that would suggest a prolonged period off the road. Given the annual rate of around 7,000 miles, the engine, transmission and drivetrain will have seen steady rather than intensive use, which is generally favourable for long-term component longevity. However, even at this moderate accumulation rate, a 2010 Zafira will have accumulated considerable wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and front brake components. The complete absence of advisories across all recorded tests should be treated with a degree of caution — it may reflect genuine mechanical soundness, or it may indicate that wear items have not yet crossed the threshold for advisory notation rather than being absent entirely. Because the MOT history carries no specific defect entries, a prospective buyer cannot rely on the test record to identify which components are beginning to show wear. Particular attention should be paid to the items most commonly associated with this model and mileage bracket. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn front wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links — both known wear items on the Zafira. Brake feel should be assessed for any pulling to one side under moderate pedal pressure, suggesting binding calipers or unevenly worn pads, and the steering should be checked for vagueness or clonking through the rack under load. Tyres should be inspected for uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate alignment issues or worn suspension components. Beyond the dynamic check, a thorough physical inspection is essential. Examine the rear brake discs and drums for surface corrosion and scoring, as the Zafira is prone to rear brake binding after light use. Check underneath the vehicle, particularly around the rear axle, exhaust mounting points, and front subframe, for any emerging surface rust — a Zafira of this age is susceptible to corrosion in these areas even if it has not yet been flagged at test. Inspect the engine bay for oil leaks around the rocker cover gasket and the timing chain area, and listen on start-up for any rattling from the timing chain, which is a recognised concern on higher-mileage Zafira petrol units. Confirm that the cooling system is in good order, as plastic coolant components on this model deteriorate with age. Finally, verify that all previous advisories genuinely are absent rather than simply unrecorded, and obtain any service history to corroborate the clean MOT picture before purchase.