2007 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · BJ57 RKU

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend in mechanical neglect and reactive repair habits. While the March 2026 test at 129,009 miles passed, it followed a significant failure just two weeks prior at 128,930 miles. That failure highlighted critical mechanical issues including a major exhaust leak, excessive engine oil leakage from a corroded filter, and severe braking defects. The fact that the owner only addressed these faults immediately before the MOT suggests a pattern of minimum compliance rather than proactive preventative maintenance. At 19 years old, the recorded mileage of 129,009 miles represents an annual average of approximately 6,800 miles, which is consistent with typical family vehicle usage. However, the data shows a steady interval of use, with roughly 5,800 miles covered between February 2024 and February 2025, and another 5,700 miles covered by March 2026. While the low mileage suggests lower strain, it does not offset the age-related rubber and metal components which show clear signs of deterioration and failures. A buyer must personally inspect the braking system thoroughly, as the nearside rear service brake has been flagged for binding since 2025 and escalated to excessive binding with axle imbalance in early 2026. This indicates a likely seized caliper or worn slider pins that requires urgent attention. The exhaust system is another recurring point of failure, progressing from a minor leak in 2024 to a major hole in 2026, suggesting the structural integrity of the piping is failing rapidly. Additionally, the reported excessive oil leak from the filter housing in March 2026 necessitates a check for oil ingress and potential corrosion damage to the engine block.