2013 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · DF62 OMC

Across seven consecutive MOT tests spanning 2019 to early 2026, this Zafira has passed every annual examination without a single recorded failure, with the most recent test on 9 January 2026 returning a clean pass and no advisories of any kind. The defining mechanical takeaway is therefore one of steady, uneventful roadworthiness at the test centre, though a closer reading of the advisory column reveals a consistent theme of consumable wear around the front and rear axles. Tyre edge wear on both rear and offside front positions has been noted in separate years, rear brake pad wear was flagged in both 2019 and 2024, front brake disc pitting was recorded in 2019, and a nearside front suspension arm bush was noted as worn (though not failing) in 2024. None of these items resulted in a failure, but their recurrence across a five-year window indicates that the undercarriage is subject to the kind of progressive wear expected on a family vehicle carrying regular loads. The recorded mileage of 105,355 miles over a thirteen-year life equates to roughly 8,100 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with the national average for a vehicle of this age and type, and there are no unexplained gaps or step-changes in the testing record to suggest long periods off the road or erratic use. The annual MOT entries are spaced at near twelve-month intervals throughout, indicating continuous use rather than a laid-up vehicle, which is favourable for components that suffer from prolonged standing, such as brake discs corroding flat, damp collecting in the interior, and seized callipers. Mechanically, the mileage itself is not unusually high for a diesel-era Zafira of this generation, but at this odometer reading attention should be focused on age-related fatigue items such as timing belt service intervals, dual mass flywheel condition (if manual), turbocharger wear, and cooling system renewal, none of which are within the scope of an MOT but all of which become increasingly relevant past the 100,000 mile mark. For a prospective buyer, the advisories recorded across 2019 and 2024 point to a small number of components that warrant particular physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the nearside front, where the worn arm bush was previously noted, and check for uneven tyre wear across the axle as evidence that the bush may have progressed. Inspect the rear brake pad material through the wheel spokes if possible, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal under moderate deceleration, which could indicate the pitted front discs recorded in 2019 have worn further. Edge wear on tyres is often a symptom of incorrect camber or tracking, so verify that all four tyres are wearing evenly and check the sidewalls for any signs of feathering or scuffing. Beyond the flagged items, there are a few Zafira-specific concerns worth raising on inspection. The body should be examined closely around the rear wheel arches, sills, and around the tailgate for corrosion, as this generation is known for rust in those areas even where MOT structural checks have passed. On starting from cold, listen for any timing chain rattle from the front of the engine and check for blue smoke on overrun, both of which become more likely at higher mileages. The clutch, if manual, should be tested on a hill start to confirm it is not slipping under load, and the automatic gearbox, if fitted, should be checked for smooth changes through all ranges. Overall, the recorded MOT history is unremarkable in a positive sense, but a thirteen-year-old, 105,000-mile Zafira will always benefit from a pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage to verify the condition of the items that MOT testing does not cover.