2014 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · ML64 CDN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 24 March 2026, resulted in a failure. The test recorded two major failures – the dust‑covers on the near‑side and off‑side front steering‑linkage ball‑joints were so deteriorated that they no longer prevent dirt ingress – together with several advisories concerning the TPMS indicator, a nail in the near‑side rear tyre, an insecure battery mounting and a minor exhaust leak. Earlier in the year the vehicle also failed for headlamp alignment and, in 2022, for a fault with the engine MIL and a deep cut in the off‑side front tyre. While the 2024 and 2021 tests were clean, the pattern over the last three years shows an increasing number of significant defects, indicating that the maintenance trajectory is currently worsening rather than stabilising. At 101 934 miles the car has averaged roughly 8 500 miles per year over its twelve‑year life, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the normal range for a Vauxhall Adam. There are no obvious periods of very low mileage that would suggest long spells of inactivity, nor any spikes that would point to unusually heavy use. Consequently the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be consistent with its age and mileage, rather than being accelerated by extreme mileage accumulation. A prospective buyer should give immediate attention to the steering‑linkage ball‑joint dust‑covers and the associated ball‑joints. Because the protective covers are compromised, grit can enter the joint, leading to accelerated wear, play in the steering and a characteristic clunk when turning or negotiating bumps. A qualified mechanic should check for any play in the steering rack, measure the end‑play of the ball‑joints and inspect the surrounding bushings for corrosion. The TPMS warning and the nail in the rear tyre both require tyre inspection; the affected tyre should be either repaired with a professional plug or replaced, and the TPMS sensor checked for battery depletion or wiring faults. The insecure battery mounting should be rectified and the battery tested for charge holding, especially as an insecure fit can cause intermittent electrical faults. The minor exhaust leak, while not a safety issue, should be located – often a small crack in a pipe or a loose clamp – and repaired to avoid excess noise and potential emissions concerns. The engine MIL fault recorded in 2022 suggests an unresolved electronic or sensor issue; a full OBD‑II scan is advisable to confirm whether the fault persists, as a dormant MIL can mask underlying engine performance problems. Finally, the headlamp aim failures from 2023 should be corrected to ensure adequate night‑time illumination and to avoid inadvertent glare to other road users. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough visual and functional appraisal of age‑related items. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry‑rot or uneven tread wear, especially given the vehicle’s twelve‑year service life; tyre rubber can deteriorate even on low‑mileage cars. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing and verify that the calipers move freely without binding – standing for long periods can cause pistons to seize. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and confirm that the terminals are clean and tight. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct specifications and that there are no signs of old, discoloured oil or coolant, which would indicate that time‑based servicing has been neglected. Finally, review the service book for regular oil changes, timing belt or chain replacement (if applicable) and any recorded suspension or steering work; a well‑documented service history can mitigate some of the concerns raised by the MOT failures.