2016 Vauxhall Adam 1.4L Petrol · FN16 EOU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 12 August 2026, although this followed a failure on the same day. While the car is currently roadworthy, the overall maintenance trend has shifted from minor advisories in previous years to multiple major failures involving the lighting system and exhaust emissions. This progression suggests a decline in preventative maintenance, as the recent failures related to headlamp operation and registration plate lamps are basic electrical issues that should typically be identified and rectified by the owner before a formal inspection. The recorded mileage of 68,535 miles is consistent with the vehicle's ten year age, averaging approximately 6,854 miles per year. This represents a typical usage profile, meaning the car has likely avoided the pitfalls of both excessive high-mileage wear and the degradation associated with long periods of standing. At this stage of its life cycle, the mechanical components are entering a phase where rubber perishables, such as suspension bushes and engine mounts, are likely to show signs of age-related fatigue regardless of the mileage. A primary area of concern is the recurring history of oil misting from the front shock absorbers, noted across multiple years for both the nearside and offside units. This indicates that the internal seals are failing and the dampers are losing their effectiveness. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for clunking sounds over uneven surfaces and observe if the vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing or a floaty sensation after hitting a bump. Furthermore, the recent major failure regarding emissions is significant; the buyer must verify whether this was resolved through a simple sensor replacement or if it indicates a more systemic issue with the engine's combustion or exhaust treatment system. Finally, the previous advisory regarding tyre wear on the edge suggests a potential alignment issue or the result of the failing shock absorbers affecting the tyre contact patch. A physical inspection should be conducted to ensure the current tyres show even tread wear across the width. Given the recent electrical failures, the health of the 12V battery and the integrity of the wiring should be checked. The buyer should also request the service history to confirm that calendar-based maintenance, such as engine oil changes and coolant flushes, has been performed consistently to prevent internal corrosion and premature component wear.