2014 Vauxhall Zafira 2.0L Diesel · DV64 CSZ

This Vauxhall Zafira presents an unusually sparse DVSA record, with only five test entries spanning the past three years and no advisories or specific defects logged on any occasion. The most recent outcome, a clean pass on 15 December 2025, sits alongside a prior failure recorded just three days earlier on 12 December 2025, which also shows no defects. This combination is consistent with the vehicle having been presented for test before all repairs from the failed examination were fully completed or signed off, rather than indicating any underlying mechanical concern flagged by the examiner. Across the three consecutive December passes from 2022 through 2024, the car has maintained a record of roadworthiness with nothing requiring attention at any test, which on the surface is reassuring, but the absolute absence of recorded advisories on a Zafira of this age and mileage is itself somewhat unusual and may simply reflect that advisories were not entered rather than that no wear items were noted. The recorded figure of 134,899 miles on a 2014 vehicle equates to roughly 11,242 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a family MPV of this age. There is a clear testing gap prior to the 2022 entry, meaning the vehicle was either off the road for a period or the previous test certificates were not retained on the DVSA database, which is a relevant point for any prospective buyer to verify through the V5C and service documentation. The mileage progression between recorded entries cannot be precisely determined from the data supplied, but the consistency of annual testing from late 2022 onwards suggests the car has been in regular use during that window. A Zafira at this mileage will have consumed multiple sets of brake pads and discs, at least one or two timing chains or belts depending on engine variant, and a clutch if fitted with a manual gearbox, all of which are routine but cumulative wear items that warrant confirmation through the service book rather than the MOT record alone. Because the DVSA history contains no component-specific advisories, the inspection priorities for this particular vehicle must shift toward the known age-related failure points of the Zafira Tourer platform rather than any flagged items from the record. The most significant area to examine is the rear axle and suspension, particularly the coil springs and trailing arm bushes, which are notorious for corrosion and cracking on these vehicles and should be inspected on a ramp for any signs of surface rust turning into structural perforation. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, and feel for any vagueness in the rear end during direction changes, as worn rear bushes can allow the axle to shift unpredictably under load. The front suspension, including the lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, should also be checked for play by hand with the wheel unloaded, and any knocking through the steering over rough roads would warrant immediate further investigation. The Zafira's braking system, while passing each test without note, should be evaluated thoroughly at this mileage, with particular attention to the rear calipers which are known to seize on this model and can cause uneven braking or pulling under heavy application. During a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for pull to one side, judder through the pedal, or any binding sensation once the brakes are released, which would suggest a sticking caliper slide pin or a warped rear disc. The clutch, if manual, should be assessed for any slipping under high load in fourth or fifth gear, and the automatic gearbox, if fitted, should be checked for smooth changes through all ranges with no hesitation or flare between ratios. Finally, given the lack of recorded mileage between tests and the age of the vehicle, it is advisable to confirm the timing chain replacement history, check for oil leaks from the cam cover and sump gasket on inspection, and ensure the cooling system has been refreshed, as the 1.4 turbo unit in particular is sensitive to extended oil drain intervals and overheating events that may not surface during a standard MOT examination.