2015 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Diesel · MX65 AHJ

The Vauxhall Zafira’s most recent MOT test on 2025-11-21 at 144,546 miles passed without defects, confirming it remains roadworthy under current UK standards. However, the history reveals an inconsistent pattern: two consecutive failures in December 2023 and December 2024—both at the same mileage (138,937 and 143,771 respectively)—followed by immediate retests that passed without issue. This suggests either a temporary oversight in test scheduling or a vehicle that narrowly avoided repeated failures on the same critical components. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the last two passed tests implies any issues were either resolved or not severe enough to recur, but the repeated failures warrant scrutiny of components prone to wear or neglect. The recorded mileage of 144,546 miles over 11 years—averaging approximately 13,141 miles annually—indicates heavy usage for a vehicle of this age. The gap between tests is unusually tight in 2024, with two MOTs conducted on the same day at nearly identical mileages, which is statistically improbable unless the vehicle was retested immediately after failure. This pattern, combined with the high annual mileage, suggests either aggressive driving conditions or a history of deferred maintenance. The lack of mileage gaps between tests also raises questions about whether the vehicle was consistently driven or stood unused for extended periods, which could accelerate wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components. Given the repeated failures in December 2023 and 2024—despite no recorded defects in subsequent passes—a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and binding mechanisms, as these are common causes of MOT failures. The suspension should be checked for worn or leaking bushes, deteriorated coil springs, and excessive play in the steering or wheel bearings, all of which could contribute to handling issues. Corrosion in the wheel arches, subframe, or sills should also be examined, as this is a critical failure point for vehicles of this age and mileage. Finally, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or excessive rust, as this is another frequent cause of MOT failures in older models. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee these areas are free of hidden damage, so a professional pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised.