2016 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Diesel · FD16 RLZ

The defining mechanical story of this 2016 Vauxhall Zafira is one of broadly stable roadworthiness, anchored by a string of clean passes that culminated in a successful test on 26 August 2025 and an unblemished result on 05 August 2026. Across the recorded history, only two failures appear, and both were relatively minor in nature: a non-functional windscreen washer noted on 16 August 2024, and a tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction recorded on 27 July 2023. Neither of these failures points to structural or mechanical deterioration of the vehicle, and the fact that both were resolved at subsequent tests suggests the issues were rectified rather than left to progress. The advisory history is correspondingly light, restricted to a nearside front tyre worn to the legal limit, a set of nearside rear brake pads noted as wearing thin, and a child seat fitted in 2022 that prevented full inspection of an adult belt. Taken as a whole, the test record shows a vehicle that has consistently met minimum roadworthiness standards, with no repeat advisories on the same components and no escalation of defects over time. With 72,084 miles recorded over roughly ten years of age, the Zafira is accumulating mileage at approximately 7,200 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical annual averages for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would imply extended periods off the road, and the testing frequency from 2021 onwards is annual without interruption, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout this period. This level of consistent, moderate use is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it avoids both the component degradation associated with very low annual mileage and the accelerated wear associated with high-mileage operation. The recorded accumulation does not show any sharp jumps between tests that might indicate clock irregularities or sudden changes in usage pattern, and the overall mileage progression appears steady and proportionate to the age of the car. For a prospective buyer, the specific items flagged in the advisory record warrant targeted attention during inspection. The nearside front tyre was noted as worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge in 2023, which warrants a close check of the current tread depth across both front tyres, paying particular attention to uneven shoulder wear that might indicate a tracking or suspension geometry issue. On the nearside rear brake pads, now several advisories old, the braking system should be evaluated for residual life, looking for any signs of binding calipers, scoring on the brake discs, or a soft or spongy pedal feel under firm application. The tyre pressure monitoring system fault from 2023 is worth verifying has been resolved, and any warning light on the dashboard should be investigated at the point of inspection, as TPMS faults can sometimes recur if a sensor has been damaged or a wheel has been replaced without a new sensor being fitted. A test drive should include firm braking from higher speeds to check for any pulling to one side, pedal judder, or unusual noises that might indicate wear beyond what was visible at the time of the last test. Beyond the specific advisory items, a general inspection should concentrate on areas commonly affected on a Zafira of this age and mileage. The rear suspension is particularly prone to corrosion on Zafira Tourer models, so a thorough examination of the rear axle mounting points, coil springs, and shock absorber top mounts is advisable, ideally with the vehicle raised. The exhaust system, particularly the flex joint and rear silencer, should be checked for corrosion and weeping joints, as these are typical wear items at this mileage. The cooling system, including the water pump and thermostat housing, is another known weak point on this generation of Zafira and warrants a check for any signs of coolant leaks or staining around the engine bay. Finally, the dual-mass flywheel and clutch should be evaluated during the test drive for any signs of rattle on overrun, inconsistent engagement, or slipping under load, as these components are approaching the mileage range where original units may begin to show wear.