2004 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · RY04 EXW
2004 Vauxhall Zafira (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Jun 2004. Recorded mileage 142,080 miles. MOT expired on 09 Feb 2025.
- Make & Model
- VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 09 Feb 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (09 Mar 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,080 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RY04 EXW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 29/01/2025
- 142,080 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 14 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RY04 EXW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Vauxhall Zafira (RY04 EXW) between February 2023 and January 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 29 January 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Brake performance unable to be tested Brake pipe leaking (1.2.1 (g))”; “Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect both lights (4.1.2 (c))”; “Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 ”.
RY04 EXW Mileage History
- 03/02/2023137,570 mi
- 10/02/2023137,570 mi
- 25/01/2024139,967 mi+2,397 mi
- 25/01/2024139,967 mi
- 29/01/2025142,080 mi+2,113 mi
Average of roughly 2,269 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution before consider
If you are considering this car, you must prioritise a professional structural inspection. The 2025 MOT failure specifically noted that the nearside front and offside front subframe mountings were excessively corroded, significantly reducing their structural strength. This is not a minor repair and could involve substantial costs.
Furthermore, the braking system has shown multiple issues, including leaking brake pipes and insufficient pedal travel. You should check if the recent failures were rectified with high-quality parts and if the subframe issues have been fully addressed rather than just patched. Ask for evidence of any welding or structural repairs performed following the January 2025 failure.
As a 1.6L petrol model, running costs will be moderate, though fuel economy on a high-mileage 2004 engine may be lower than modern equivalents. You should expect to be in a mid-range insurance group and tax band typical for this era of Vauxhall.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the recurring nature of the MOT advisories and failures. The history of oil leaks, exhaust leaks, and CV boot replacements suggests that frequent component replacement will be necessary. Budget for higher-than-average annual maintenance to address the ongoing mechanical and structural requirements.
A thorough inspection of the underside is mandatory. Specifically, look for the extent of the corrosion on the subframe mountings mentioned in the 2025 MOT record. Any signs of recent welding or 'patching' should be scrutinised by a qualified mechanic to ensure structural integrity is restored.
Check the braking system thoroughly; the 2025 record noted leaking brake pipes and insufficient pedal travel. Inspect the CV boots, as these have been a recurring failure point in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Finally, examine the engine bay for the oil leaks that have been noted in almost every MOT test since 2023.
This 2004 Vauxhall Zafira has covered 142,080 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,549 miles per year. The MOT history shows a pattern of recurring issues, including engine oil leaks, exhaust leaks, and drive shaft boot failures. Most critically, the January 2025 test recorded major structural corrosion on the subframe mountings and multiple braking system failures.
Aggregate data for this model shows a 75.4% MOT pass rate, with common failures involving shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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