2016 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · SB66 WMW

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 April 2026 resulted in a PASS, but it was accompanied by a minor defect concerning the nearside track rod end ball joint dust cover and two advisories flagging slight play in the offside track rod end ball joint and cracking or perishing of the offside rear tyre. Reviewing the trajectory across the recorded tests, the maintenance picture is one of gradual decline rather than outright neglect, with progressively more items being noted each year from 2022 onwards. The front shock absorber issue is particularly noteworthy: light misting of oil was first recorded in 2023, was repeated as an advisory in 2024, and then escalated into a major failure on both front units in April 2025 when serious fluid leakage was identified. Although replacements appear to have been carried out prior to the 2026 pass, this sequence suggests that suspension component wear has been developing over several test cycles and warrants close physical inspection to confirm the quality and integrity of any recent repair work. Annual mileage across the recorded DVSA history is broadly consistent at roughly 6,000 to 7,000 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a ten-year-old city car of this type. There are no glaring anomalies such as long stationary periods followed by sudden mileage spikes, and the odometer progression between tests is smooth and logical. For a Vauxhall Adam of this age and recorded mileage, this is a moderately driven example rather than one that has been left largely unused, meaning that wear-related deterioration is proportionate to the mileage covered rather than accelerated by either excessive use or compounded by prolonged standing. Nevertheless, certain age-sensitive degradation should still be expected regardless of the relatively modest annual distance covered. The recurring shock absorber findings are the primary mechanical concern and should be investigated thoroughly prior to purchase. Even though the 2025 failure appears to have been rectified to achieve the 2026 pass, fluid seals on gas-pressurised dampers rarely fail in isolation if the units are original, so it is prudent to verify that the replacements are of reputable quality and correctly fitted. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to the vehicle's behaviour during heavy braking or cornering, where weakened dampers would manifest as excessive nose dive or body roll. The track rod end play noted on the offside unit is a further steering-related concern that should be addressed promptly, as excessive movement in this joint can lead to uneven front tyre wear, imprecise steering response, and ultimately an MOT failure if left to deteriorate; a physical check for free play at the joint, combined with a careful inspection of the inner and outer edges of both front tyres for feathered wear patterns, is strongly recommended. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-appropriate items merit close attention on a vehicle approaching its eleventh year. Even at modest annual mileage, brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should ideally have been renewed every two years regardless of use, so confirming the date of the last fluid service is worthwhile, alongside a check of the coolant age and the condition of the 12 volt battery, which typically requires replacement at six to seven year intervals. The offside rear tyre perishing flagged in the latest test points to the broader issue of sidewall cracking on a ten-year-old car, and all four tyres, including the inner sidewalls that are hidden from casual inspection, should be scrutinised for age-related crazing. Finally, examine the underside and wheel arches for any corrosion bubbling around common Vauxhall Adam weak points such as the rear axle beam, suspension mounting surfaces, and brake disc faces, as standing humidity in the wheel wells can promote surface oxidation even on regularly driven examples, and binding or seized front brake calipers from infrequent high-speed use can also be a concern given the modest annual mileage profile.