2016 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Diesel · LE16 FXP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 May 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that time. Over the preceding six years the record shows a generally stable pattern: three clean passes (2024, 2023, 2021) and a single failure in 2025 that was accompanied only by advisory items rather than outright faults. The recurring advisories concerning front suspension arm and MacPherson strut pins, together with tyre condition notes, have persisted but have not escalated to a failure, suggesting that wear is being managed but has not yet been fully addressed. At 65,061 mi the Zafira averages roughly 6,500 mi per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a ten‑year‑old family hatchback. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the recorded history, implying the car has not spent prolonged periods idle that could exacerbate age‑related degradation. The modest annual mileage reduces the rate of consumable wear, yet the mileage is sufficient that components such as suspension bushings, tyre sidewalls and brake discs will have undergone normal wear cycles and should be inspected for the usual signs of fatigue. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. The repeated advisories about worn arm pins and strut bushings mean the rubber components are likely approaching the end of their service life. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any looseness in steering return, and check that the car tracks straight without pulling to one side. A visual inspection should confirm that the bushings show no cracking, excessive play, or oil leakage from the strut mounts. The rear tyres have been flagged for sidewall damage or perishing on several occasions; examine both sidewalls for dry rot, cracks, or bulges, and measure tread depth to ensure it remains above the legal minimum. Front tyres were noted as close to the legal limit in 2020, so verify current tread depth and consider budgeting for replacement if the remaining tread is under 3 mm or if uneven wear patterns are evident. Beyond the specific advisories, the vehicle’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, looking for corrosion on terminals and testing voltage under load, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Inspect brake discs and pads for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking, especially if the car has been stored for periods. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – for proper level, colour and any signs of contamination, and confirm that a full service has been performed within the last 12 months. Finally, look for any rust or corrosion on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body panels, as prolonged standing can accelerate degradation even on low‑mileage vehicles. Addressing these items will give a clear picture of the Zafira’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.