2009 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · CE09 BXY

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than proactive care. The most recent test in May 2024 at 132,701 miles resulted in a pass following a failure for worn front tyres and incorrect headlamp aim. While the immediate issues were rectified, the recurring nature of failures across multiple years suggests the owner only addresses faults when they threaten an MOT certificate, rather than monitoring components between intervals. At 132,701 miles over 17 years, the Zafira averages approximately 7,800 miles per annum, which aligns closely with typical UK family car usage. The data shows consistent movement, with roughly 8,400 miles covered between May 2023 and May 2024, and approximately 6,000 miles between May 2022 and 2023. This steady mileage suggests the vehicle has not sat for long periods, which helps prevent the seal degradation often associated with low-mileage older vehicles. A buyer must specifically inspect the persistent oil leak that has been noted in tests both 2022 and 2023. Although the tester described it as not excessive at the time, persistent leaks on an engine of this age often indicate gasket failure or seal degradation that can worsen over time. The 2022 advisory regarding pitted and scored brake discs, combined with the recent failure for worn front tyres, indicates that the braking system and suspension components are nearing the end of their service life. Physical inspection should also focus on the structural integrity of the chassis and exhaust system, as these are common failure points for Vaux models of this era. Given the history of uneven tyre wear on the front axle, a check for worn suspension bushes or misaligned geometry is necessary to ensure new tyres will not be prematurely ruined. The buyer should verify that the headlamp aim remains correctly adjusted, as this was a recurring failure point in the two most recent tests.