2005 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · AX54 XUB

The vehicle presents a worsening maintenance trend, with the most recent test on 7 April 2026 at 77,500 miles showing a significant increase in the number of advisory items compared to previous years. While the car passed, the tester flagged an extensive list of mechanical concerns including an oil leak, a minor exhaust gas leak, and deterioration across multiple suspension components. The presence of pitted or scored brake discs at both front and rear, alongside a severely deteriorated nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot, indicates that while the vehicle remains operational, the level of component wear is accelerating. The recorded mileage of 77,500 over 21 years averages approximately 3,690 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This pattern of low annual usage is evident in the data, with the mileage increasing steadily but slowly from 48,412 miles in December 2015 to 77,500 miles in April 2026. Such low usage often correlates with the rubber perishing and component degradation seen in the recent history, specifically the cracking and perishing of tyres and the deterioration of various dust covers and seals. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underside and suspension system. The history shows recurring issues with anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and dust covers, dating back to the November 2023 failure. The recent advisories regarding nearside rear shock absorber oil misting and multiple tyres showing signs of perishing or uneven wear suggest that the vehicle has spent significant time stationary. Immediate attention will likely be required for the exhaust mounting and the drive shaft CV boot to prevent more costly mechanical failures. Braking components also require close scrutiny. Although the 2026 test noted the discs were not seriously weakened, the recurring mention of worn or scored discs and the previous failure for thin brake pads in November 2019 suggest a pattern of deferred consumable maintenance. The oil leak, while noted as not excessive in both the November 2024 and April 2026 tests, should be monitored closely to determine if it originates from a gasket or a more significant seal failure.