2012 Vauxhall Zafira 1.8L Petrol · LR62 TYH

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 8 January 2026 resulted in a PASS, although it was achieved only after rectifying two Major defects recorded at the same date: an Offside Front Position lamp not working and both rear direction indicators showing the incorrect colour. These are lighting related items and were likely resolved by straightforward bulb or lens replacement rather than any serious underlying electrical fault. However, the advisory items noted alongside the pass are notable: an oil leak not considered excessive, a nearside front and offside front suspension arm rear bush wear, and a child seat fitted that prevented full inspection of the adult belt. Looking back through the test history, the overall maintenance trend is broadly stable but with several chronic issues recurring year on year, most notably the exhaust flexi condition, front suspension arm rear bushes, rear brake disc wear, and persistent minor oil and coolant leaks. The vehicle has passed each annual test since 2021, with only one prior failure in December 2022 for a non-functioning windscreen washer and missing wiper blade, both routine items, and an emissions failure in December 2023 linked to an exhaust lambda reading outside specified limits, which suggests the catalyst or lambda sensor may be deteriorating. Recorded mileage of 93,429 over approximately 14 years equates to around 6,674 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a Zafira of this age and indicates a mixture of regular use rather than extended periods of standing. The MOT records show consistent annual testing with no obvious gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular road use, although the modest annual mileage means some calendar-based degradation should still be considered, particularly on rubber components, brake discs from corrosion, and fluid condition. The relatively moderate mileage is favourable from a wear perspective on major mechanical items such as the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, but it does not eliminate age-related concerns on perishable components. For a prospective buyer, particular attention should be paid to the recurring advisories for the front suspension arm rear bushes, which have appeared on three consecutive tests from 2025 and 2026. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during sharp steering inputs, and visually inspect for any play in the wishbones when the wheel is rocked by hand. The exhaust flexi advisory has now appeared on four consecutive tests from 2021 onwards, escalating from a corroded and leaking flexi in 2021 to a front flexi exhaust gas leak in 2022 and a poor condition flexi with slight leak by 2023, which strongly suggests the front exhaust flexible section is nearing the end of its service life and will likely require replacement soon. Inspect the underside of the engine for the noted oil and coolant leaks, ensuring fluid levels are maintained and that there is no evidence of fresh leakage or staining on the radiator, hoses, or engine block. The rear brake disc pitting and scoring noted in both 2021 and 2025 indicates surface corrosion build-up; during a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the pedal, particularly under firm braking from higher speeds. Beyond the recorded advisories, given the vehicle's age of 14 years and moderate annual mileage, practical physical checks should include close examination of all four tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, as aged rubber can deteriorate regardless of tread depth. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2022, so verify their current thickness and the condition of the front discs, which were not flagged but would be due for inspection. Check the condition of the 12V battery, as original units rarely last beyond 8 to 10 years, and confirm the service history with evidence of regular timing belt or chain replacement, coolant flush, and brake fluid renewal at appropriate intervals. Given the previous lambda sensor or catalyst emissions failure, consider having the vehicle scanned for stored fault codes and a live data check of the oxygen sensors to ensure the emissions system remains within tolerance. Finally, inspect the rear tailgate mechanism, as Zafiras of this era are known for electric tailgate strut and latch issues, and verify all warning lights extinguish promptly after engine start to confirm no latent dashboard faults are present.