2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · OV59 KPK

The 1.6-litre petrol Zafira typically returns around 34-38 mpg in real-world driving, giving a fuel cost of roughly £1,400-£1,700 per year for average mileage. Road tax falls in a higher band due to the engine size and pre-2011 registration, likely costing £200-£305 annually depending on exact CO2 figures. Insurance sits in group 12-14, placing premiums in the £450-£650 range for typical drivers.

Maintenance costs tend to be moderate, with parts widely available and inexpensive. Annual servicing averages £180-£280, though the recurring oil leak noted on MOT records suggests potential additional labour. Budget £300-£500 annually for tyres, brakes, and consumables. Total estimated annual running cost is approximately £1,800-£2,300, factoring in the higher-than-average mileage this vehicle has accumulated.

Begin with a physical inspection of the front suspension, as the December 2024 failure flagged a fractured offside front coil spring. Even if replaced, check for uneven ride height, knocking noises over bumps, and excessive bounce — signs that other suspension components may be tired. Given that 'shock absorber' and 'anti-roll bar' are top failure reasons for this model across 265,826 analysed vehicles, these areas deserve particular attention on a test drive.

Inspect the engine bay for oil residue around the sump, rocker cover, and front crankshaft seal, as oil leaks have been flagged on three consecutive MOT tests. The engine MIL issue from December 2024 should be investigated with a live diagnostic scan rather than relying on the dashboard indicator alone. Check the tyres for uneven inner-edge wear, as the 2023 test noted feathering on the offside rear — this often points to suspension geometry issues. Finally, examine the windscreen carefully; the damage has been noted as not adversely affecting the driver's view on each test, but any crack spreading into the critical vision area would result in failure.