2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9L Diesel · FD10 GFX

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 13 March 2026, resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. Looking at the broader pattern across the supplied test history, the Zafira has consistently returned passes at its annual examinations since 2023, with the only anomaly being a failed test on 25 March 2024 that was immediately followed by a pass at the same location later that same day. While the official record does not capture the specific reason for that single failure, the immediate retest pass strongly suggests it was a minor or easily rectified item rather than a fundamental mechanical or structural concern. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable, and the absence of any recurring advisories relating to suspension components, brake wear, corrosion, or exhaust emissions is a reassuring indicator for a prospective buyer. With 92,567 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle has covered an average of around 5,785 miles annually, which is notably low for a car of this age and profile. This figure suggests either genuinely light usage or, more likely given the Zafira's typical role as a family vehicle, extended periods of standing or very infrequent short journeys. Low annual mileage of this nature carries its own mechanical considerations, as components designed for regular use such as the 12V battery, brake discs and callipers, and various rubber seals and gaiters can deteriorate through inactivity rather than wear. It is also worth noting that the absence of recorded mileage gaps in the MOT data could indicate under-recorded or inconsistent use, so verifying the figures against the service book and any available supporting documentation is advisable. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the clean MOT history should not lead to complacency, particularly given the vehicle's age and likely periods of inactivity. The tyres warrant close physical examination for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years should be regarded as a priority replacement item. Similarly, the brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the callipers for signs of seizing or binding, as prolonged standing can cause the caliper pistons to stick, leading to uneven pad wear, pulling under braking, or excessive drag that manifests as a hot wheel hub after driving. A thorough test drive should include firm pedal applications from higher speeds to check for brake shudder or vibration, which would indicate disc warping, as well as listening for suspension clunks over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces that might suggest worn bushes or deteriorated coil springs. Beyond the braking and suspension checks, several age-related service items deserve careful attention on a vehicle of this vintage. The 12V battery is highly likely to be near the end of its service life given the calendar age, and a load test or simple voltage check at rest and during cranking is strongly recommended. All major fluids, including engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission oil where applicable, are time-sensitive rather than mileage-sensitive and should be replaced according to calendar intervals, with brake fluid in particular being hygroscopic and prone to boiling under sustained braking if neglected. Finally, it is prudent to inspect the underbody and inner arches for signs of rust or corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, sill seams, and subframe mounting points, as the Zafira is known to be susceptible to structural corrosion in later life, and any fresh underseal or recent paint repairs should be queried as they may indicate remedial work. Verifying a continuous service history with documented cambelt replacement, typically due every six years or 100,000 miles on this engine, is also essential before purchase.