2016 Vauxhall Adam 1.4L Petrol · LM16 EUW

The Vauxhall Adam’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-09 at 45,683 miles passed without defects, confirming it remains roadworthy under current UK standards. However, the record reveals an unusual pattern of two consecutive failures at the same mileage in April 2024 (37,900 miles) and November 2024 (39,893 miles), both followed by immediate retests that passed. While the vehicle has since maintained a clean slate, this history suggests either a temporary oversight in pre-test preparation or a minor, correctable issue that was resolved before the retest. No recurring advisories or structural concerns have been documented, but the retest pattern warrants scrutiny of components prone to intermittent failure, such as binding brake calipers, loose suspension mounts, or minor electrical faults. The recorded mileage of 45,683 miles over approximately ten years indicates unusually low annual mileage—around 4,568 miles per year—well below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. This suggests the car has likely spent extended periods stationary, which can accelerate wear in areas like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components due to static load corrosion. The gap between the 2024 failures and the 2025 pass—where mileage increased by just 1,993 miles—implies the vehicle was either stored or driven infrequently during that period. Buyers should note that low mileage does not preclude deferred maintenance; rust penetration in wheel arches, underbody corrosion, or degraded fluid levels (brakes, power steering, coolant) may have developed despite minimal driving. Given the lack of documented defects in the most recent tests, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components that might exhibit latent wear or corrosion. The repeated failures at identical mileages in 2024—despite passing retests—raise suspicion for issues like binding rear brakes, which could indicate warped discs, seized calipers, or worn brake pads that were replaced but not properly bedded in. Suspension integrity should be checked for worn or leaking dampers, degraded bushes, or rusted coil spring seats, particularly if the car has been stationary for prolonged periods. Underbody inspection is critical to assess corrosion around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system, as low mileage does not mitigate environmental degradation. Electrical systems, including lights and indicators, should also be tested, as intermittent faults are common in older vehicles with limited driving history.