2016 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Diesel · CU16 VPL

A clear pattern of front suspension wear dominates the mechanical history of this 2016 Vauxhall Zafira, with two separate Major failures in successive years specifically tied to front end components. On 4 August 2023 the vehicle failed on a nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn, and two years later, on 1 August 2025, the same nearside front area failed again, this time on a suspension arm ball joint excessively worn, alongside a minor for a defective offside front wiper blade. The 2025 test did pass on the same date, but only after the suspension arm repair was presumably carried out, with the Macpherson strut top mount bush, front brake pads, and front brake discs all carried forward as advisories. The recurrence of Major defects on the nearside front suspension within a relatively short testing window is a meaningful concern for any prospective buyer, as it suggests the front suspension geometry and its associated linkages are subject to ongoing wear rather than a one-off replacement. Mileage progression appears broadly consistent with typical use for a ten-year-old people carrier, with around 9,228 recorded miles per year, and there are no extended gaps between tests that would imply long periods off the road. The 2021 entry recorded two Dangerous defects on the rear tyres, with ply or cords exposed on the offside rear and a lump on the nearside rear caused by run-flat damage, yet the test still passed once those tyres were replaced. This kind of tyre failure at 2021 test mileage suggests the wheels and tyres had been subjected to kerbing or load damage at some point, and the 2021 advisories also noted both front tyres worn on the inner shoulders with sidewall splits, indicating uneven wear patterns consistent with geometry misalignment rather than simple age-related deterioration. The 2024 test recorded pitted and scored front brake discs and thin rear pads, with the front discs reappearing as advisories in 2025, confirming a continued pattern of braking component wear. Given the recurring front suspension failures, the buyer should focus the inspection squarely on the nearside front corner. Listen for clonks or thuds from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or potholes, particularly over uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel when turning at low speed, which would indicate further ball joint or track rod degradation. On the test drive, check for uneven tyre wear on the front inner shoulders, as the 2021 advisories flagged this directly, and any pulling to one side under braking could indicate warped front discs given their recurring advisory status. Pay close attention to any creaks or roughness emanating from the strut top mounts, as the top mount bush has been flagged as worn on the most recent test. The brake system warrants direct attention, with thin front inner pads noted in 2025 and rear pads noted as wearing thin in 2024, so the buyer should expect pads and possibly discs to be approaching replacement. A spongy brake pedal, juddering under hard braking, or any grinding noise from the front wheels would suggest the disc wear flagged in 2024 has progressed since. Inspect the rear brake assemblies for binding calipers or uneven pad wear, and verify that the rear tyres have no sidewall bulges or exposed cords, mirroring the 2021 Dangerous failures. Finally, examine the offside rear direction indicator lens for discolouration as noted in the 2025 advisory, and confirm both front wiper blades sweep cleanly without smearing, given the recent minor failure on the offside blade.