2016 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4L Petrol · DS16 AWH

The Vauxhall Zafira’s most recent MOT test on 2025-05-29—just over a year ago—confirms it passed without defects, though the immediate prior test on 2025-05-28 failed for an unexplained reason, despite identical mileage. This anomaly suggests either a temporary administrative error or a single oversight in testing, as all previous tests since 2022 have been clean. The vehicle’s roadworthiness remains stable overall, though the repeated May testing dates imply the owner may have deliberately scheduled tests around the same period annually, which is not inherently problematic but warrants scrutiny of whether maintenance is being deferred until the last possible moment. The recorded mileage of 101,116 miles over ten years equates to an average of roughly 10,112 miles annually, a rate consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage for this age. There are no obvious gaps in service intervals, though the jump from 81,517 miles in July 2022 to 90,178 miles by May 2023—an increase of 8,661 miles in just ten months—suggests either a period of higher usage or a delay in mileage recording. The most recent MOT-to-MOT interval spans 17,434 miles, well within the DVSA’s recommended 12-month or 10,000-mile threshold, indicating the vehicle has been driven regularly without prolonged storage. Given the lack of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components prone to wear at this mileage. The suspension—particularly rear suspension bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these are common failure points in older models. Binding rear brakes, which can sometimes evade detection in static tests, must be tested for uneven wear or seized calipers. Structural integrity is critical; inspect the wheel arches, sills, and subframe for signs of rust penetration or distortion, as these areas are vulnerable to corrosion in a vehicle of this age. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for leaks or sagging supports, as these often develop between MOT tests. The absence of advisories in the record suggests no prior unresolved issues, but visual and functional verification of these key areas is essential.