2015 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · PL15 CZX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 12 December 2025, resulted in a failure with three major defects – an inoperative engine malfunction‑indicator lamp, a front nearside shock absorber with a serious fluid leak and a missing fixing on the nearside front wheel – together with a repeat advisory concerning the off‑side door mirror. Over the preceding three years the vehicle has shown a pattern of escalating problems: earlier failures were limited to track‑rod dust‑cover insecurity, a non‑functioning headlamp and a washer‑system deficiency, whereas the latest test adds drivetrain and suspension failures, indicating a clear deterioration rather than a stabilising maintenance trend. At 113 012 miles the Adam averages just over 10 000 miles per annum, which sits squarely within normal UK usage for a 2015 model. The mileage record does not reveal any large gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of storage, but the combination of modest annual use and the recent appearance of multiple major faults points to wear on age‑sensitive components rather than extreme mileage‑driven failure. The vehicle’s age means that rubber and polymer parts are approaching the end of their service lives, and the modest but steady mileage suggests that wear on bearings, bushings and seals may be progressing in line with calendar time. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the areas highlighted by the MOT failures. The engine MIL being inoperative may mask a fault in the emissions control system, a faulty sensor or wiring issue; a diagnostic scan should be performed to retrieve any stored codes and to verify that the engine management is operating within specification. The front nearside shock absorber’s fluid leak will manifest as reduced ride comfort, a noticeable sag when the vehicle is parked, and potentially uneven tyre wear; visual inspection for oil stains on the shock body and a bounce test are essential. The missing fixing on the front wheel is a safety critical issue – the wheel should be removed, the hub inspected for damaged studs or cracked lug bolts, and the correct torque applied to all fasteners. The insecure dust‑covers on both track‑rod ends indicate that the ball‑joint seals may be compromised, which can lead to steering play, clunking noises on uneven surfaces and premature tyre wear; the joints should be examined for excessive play and, if necessary, replaced. The headlamp dip‑beam failure is a straightforward electrical repair but should be checked for wiring integrity. Tyre advisories from 2022 – edge‑wear, a shallow cut and tread close to the legal limit – mean the current tyre set should be measured for depth, sidewall integrity and overall condition, with replacement considered if any tyre is within 2 mm of the legal minimum or shows signs of ageing. The off‑side door mirror body damage is cosmetic but may affect rear‑view visibility if the glass is cracked; ensure the mirror is securely fitted and the glass is clear. Beyond the specific MOT items, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive age‑related inspection. Examine all suspension bushings, especially the lower control‑arm and rear trailing‑arm bushes, for cracks or excessive movement; listen for clunks when applying the brakes and during cornering. Check the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven thickness, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding – standing for long periods can cause corrosion on the pistons. The 12‑volt battery, now over ten years old, should be load‑tested and its terminals inspected for corrosion. Verify that coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids have been changed within the recommended intervals, as fluids deteriorate with time even if the vehicle is not driven heavily. Finally, confirm that the service book contains stamps for regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and any major component replacements, as a well‑documented service history can mitigate the risk of hidden wear in a vehicle of this age.