2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · DN10 ACF

This Vauxhall Zafira’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle passed on the 2025-11-13 test at 108,526 miles, yet failed immediately the same day—an anomaly that suggests either a procedural error in the test centre or a critical fault that wasn’t captured in the official record. The prior cycle in late 2024 also ended in failure on the 26th of October at 103,138 miles, just two days before a pass at 103,197 miles, indicating a narrow margin for compliance. While the 2023 test at 98,380 miles passed without issue, the lack of advisories or defects in any record makes it impossible to determine whether underlying issues were present but not severe enough to fail. The trend is unstable, with no clear resolution to recurring problems. The recorded mileage of 108,526 miles over 16 years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 6,783 miles annually. There are no obvious gaps or spikes in mileage between tests, though the rapid accumulation between the 2024 failures (103,138 to 103,197 miles in just two days) is suspicious and likely reflects an attempt to pass the test rather than genuine driving. The absence of advisories in any MOT suggests either diligent maintenance or a history of deferred repairs. Given the vehicle’s age, however, suspension bushes, coil springs, and rear brake binding—common failure points in this model—should be scrutinised, as these are not typically flagged unless visibly severe. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear subframe and bushings, which often degrade silently in this class of vehicle. The repeated failures imply either a persistent issue with brake caliper binding or excessive wear in the rear disc brakes, which may not have been detected during the MOT due to inconsistent testing. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the rear subframe, is another critical area given the model’s susceptibility to rust. The lack of advisories in the record does not guarantee these components are sound, so visual inspection and functional testing of the suspension and brakes are essential. The dual failures in 2025 suggest the tester may have missed something, so thoroughness in the buyer’s inspection is paramount.