2014 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · OU14 RYB

Recorded against a 2014 Vauxhall Adam, the DVSA history documents eight MOT tests between 2020 and early 2026, with seven passes and a single failure on 1 March 2025 caused by a nearside front shock absorber with a serious fluid leak. That defect was clearly addressed, as the same vehicle returned to the testing station three days later on 4 March 2025 and passed without any advisories being recorded, and the subsequent test on 23 February 2026 also produced a pass. The only advisory on file is the front offside tyre noted at 2 mm in February 2026, a borderline tread reading that would warrant immediate replacement regardless of any subsequent test outcome. Aside from that isolated tyre advisory and the 2025 shock absorber failure, the mechanical record is otherwise clean, indicating a generally stable roadworthiness profile with localised rather than systemic issues. The recorded mileage of 45,482 miles against the vehicle's age of approximately twelve years equates to an annual accumulation of around 3,790 miles, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. Such restrained usage tends to preserve major drivetrain components but places greater emphasis on condition derived from standing rather than from wear. With no multi-year gaps in the testing record and a consistent presence at annual MOTs from 2020 onwards, there is no documentary evidence of a prolonged lay-up during this period, though the lower annual mileage still implies considerable periods of inactivity that can affect items such as dampers, bushes and brake components irrespective of mileage accumulation. For a prospective buyer, the 2025 shock absorber failure remains the most significant item to scrutinise, even though the immediate retest showed the defect had been rectified. Front dampers on the Adam work in conjunction with the coil spring and upper strut mount, and a fluid leak in one unit frequently points to seal degradation that can recur or be mirrored on the opposite side. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, pay attention to any continued nose-dive under heavy braking, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which can be symptomatic of weakened damping. The rebound should feel controlled rather than oscillatory after pressing down on each front corner with the vehicle stationary. The February 2026 advisory on the offside front tyre at 2 mm tread depth should be treated as an immediate rectification item before the vehicle is used on the road. Inspect both front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, as this can indicate alignment issues or compromised suspension geometry, and verify that a matching replacement has been fitted rather than a mismatched pair. Given the low overall mileage, it is also worth checking the condition of the brake discs and pads, which can corrode on the surface during periods of light use even when friction material remains thick; lightly dragging brakes should produce smooth retardation rather than vibration or judder through the pedal. Finally, confirm that the shock absorber replacement carried out prior to the March 2025 retest was documented with a recognised component, and ensure the tyres, brakes and suspension all feel consistent and controlled during a thorough road test before committing to purchase.