2012 Vauxhall Zafira 1.7L Diesel · DN12 AEE
2012 Vauxhall Zafira (1.7L, diesel). First registered 18 May 2012. Recorded mileage 164,995 miles. MOT expired on 20 Jan 2023.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 Jan 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 164,995 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.7L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
DN12 AEE Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/01/2022
- 164,995 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DN12 AEE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Vauxhall Zafira (DN12 AEE) between January 2022 and January 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 January 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))”; “Central Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”.
DN12 AEE Mileage History
- 18/01/2022164,981 mi
- 21/01/2022164,995 mi+14 mi
Average of roughly 1,687 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the Zafira has a history of passing MOTs, the significant failure in early 2022 involving multiple mechanical issues suggests a period of neglected maintenance.
Given the high mileage and the specific failures noted in the 2022 MOT, your primary focus should be on verifying the service history. You must ask for physical or digital receipts for the repairs following the January 2022 failure, specifically regarding the exhaust system, the shock absorbers, and the suspension ball joint. Without proof that these major items were professionally addressed, the risk of recurring issues is high.
Negotiate the price downwards if there is any ambiguity regarding the 'excessive' oil leak mentioned in the 2022 records. Even though a later advisory noted the leak was 'not excessive', an engine leak on a 1.7L diesel engine can indicate gasket wear or seal degradation that may lead to more expensive repairs as the mileage climbs further.
As a 1686cc diesel, this Zafira is designed for efficiency on longer journeys, though running costs will be influenced by its age and mileage. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of a diesel MPV of this era. Tax and insurance groups for a 2012 Zafira are generally mid-range, making it affordable for families, but maintenance costs may rise due to the age of the components.
Typical maintenance for a vehicle at this mileage includes timing belt changes, clutch replacements, and suspension refreshes. You should budget for more frequent inspections of the braking system and suspension, as the 2022 MOT history highlighted vulnerabilities in these areas.
A thorough inspection of the underside is essential. Specifically, check the exhaust system for any signs of corrosion or loose mounting, as the vehicle previously failed on a major exhaust gas leak. You should also inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of fluid weeping, following the serious leaks identified on both the nearside and offside rear in 2022.
Additionally, examine the engine bay for any residual oil residue. While the most recent advisory suggested the oil leak was not excessive, it is vital to ensure it isn't a symptom of a larger, more systemic issue. Finally, check the front suspension components and ball joints for play, as the vehicle has a documented history of suspension wear and uneven tyre wear on inner edges.
This 2012 grey Vauxhall Zafira is a high-mileage diesel MPV that has covered approximately 165,000 miles since its first registration in May 2012. While it maintained a clean record for many years, the MOT history shows a concerning cluster of major failures in January 2022, including exhaust leaks, shock absorber failures, and suspension wear. The vehicle's value proposition is heavily dependent on whether the subsequent repairs were carried out to a high standard.
No aggregate reliability data is available for this specific model, so decisions must be based on this individual vehicle's MOT history.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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