2017 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4L Petrol · ML17 WUU

Front‑end wear dominates the recent MOT picture – the 2026 test flagged both front brake discs as worn, pitted or scored and highlighted front suspension arm pins or bushes on each side as worn, while the near‑side front tyre was noted within two millimetres of the legal minimum. A dangerous failure recorded in July 2023 for the off‑side rear brake pad being below 1.5 mm adds a rear‑brake concern to the mix, although subsequent tests have shown no further failures and the latest pass confirms the vehicle meets the minimum safety standards for now. At 84,254 mi the car averages roughly 9,300 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a nine‑year‑old family hatchback. The MOT history is uninterrupted, with annual testing from 2020 through 2026, indicating consistent road‑worthiness checks rather than prolonged periods of inactivity. This steady accumulation suggests wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension components will be in line with the vehicle’s age, rather than accelerated by unusually high mileage spikes. Prospective buyers should focus on the front braking system and suspension. The disc wear noted in 2026 typically manifests as reduced braking efficiency, pulsation or a squealing noise under hard stops; measuring disc thickness and checking for scoring will confirm whether replacement is imminent. The worn arm pins or bushes can produce clunking over bumps, steering wander or uneven tyre wear, so a hands‑on inspection for excessive play in the front knuckles and a test‑drive over uneven surfaces are essential. The near‑side front tyre, being close to the legal tread limit, should be measured and likely replaced to avoid a premature failure, especially given the front‑end load from the Vauxhall’s front‑wheel‑drive layout. The rear‑brake pad failure in 2023 indicates that the rear braking system has already required attention; even though no current defect is recorded, a fresh measurement of both rear pads is prudent, looking for uneven wear or glazing that could affect stopping distances. During a test drive, assess pedal feel for any sponginess or pull, listen for any squeal that could hint at worn pads, and verify that the vehicle tracks straight without pulling to one side, which could point to lingering suspension or brake‑related issues. Budgeting for front disc replacement, possible pad resurfacing or replacement, front suspension bushings and a new front tyre will address the documented wear and help ensure the car remains road‑worthy beyond the next MOT.