2004 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · RJ53 PJS

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing suspension and brake issues. In the most recent test in March 2026 at 162,446 miles, the tester identified a pitted nearside rear brake disc and reduced damping on both rear shock absorbers. This represents a regression from the clean records seen in 2024 and 2025, indicating that age-related components are now reaching the end of their functional life and require proactive attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,400 miles per year. Between April 2023 at 144,186 miles and March 2026 at 162,446 miles, the car covered 18,260 miles, maintaining a steady usage rate of roughly 6,000 miles annually. While this low annual mileage suggests less mechanical strain, the overall age of the vehicle means that rubber components and seals are subject to perishation regardless of the distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear suspension and steering system. The 2023 record flagged a severely deteriorated nearside front CV boot and oil seepage from the steering rack, which, combined with the current shock absorber failures, suggests the entire front and rear assembly is aging. The 2022 advisory regarding corroded brake pipes covered in grease is a significant red flag, as grease masks structural decay; a physical inspection must clean these lines to ensure deep corrosion has not compromised the structural integrity of the hydraulic system.