2012 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · FD12 LFJ

The vehicle’s most recent MOT, conducted on 2023-05-03 at 98,672 miles, resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. However, a prior failure on 2023-04-28 at 98,669 miles—just five days earlier—did not list any specific defects, raising questions about the cause of the initial failure. The absence of recorded issues in subsequent tests from 2020 to 2022 suggests a stable maintenance trend, but the lack of recent inspection data since 2023-05-03, now over three years old, indicates a potential gap in monitoring. This gap could obscure emerging issues, particularly in components like suspension or brakes, which may degrade without regular checks. The vehicle’s mileage of 98,672 miles at 14 years old aligns with an average annual usage of 7,048 miles, reflecting typical wear for its age. However, the period between the 2020-06-19 MOT (79,106 miles) and 2021-05-14 test (86,390 miles) shows a jump of 7,284 miles, suggesting possible periods of infrequent use or inconsistent maintenance. Subsequent increases of 7,636 miles (2021-05-14 to 2022-05-07) and 4,646 miles (2022-05-07 to 2023-05-03) indicate steady but unremarkable usage. The sparse MOT history, with no recurring defects, implies no systemic issues, but the lack of detailed failure records limits definitive conclusions about underlying mechanical health. A buyer should prioritise inspecting the suspension system for worn bushes or coil springs, as these often degrade over time without immediate warning. The brake system, including calipers and discs, warrants close scrutiny, as binding or uneven wear could develop unnoticed. Structural corrosion, particularly in the underbody or chassis, should also be checked, as it may persist undetected in vehicles with long intervals between MOTs. While the recorded history shows no critical faults, the absence of recent testing and the unresolved 2023 failure necessitate a thorough pre-purchase inspection to confirm continued roadworthiness.