2016 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · SC16 CEA

The most recent DVSA examination took place on 3 June 2026, with the vehicle achieving a clean pass and no defects or advisories recorded. This was followed by an earlier pass on 23 March 2026, also without remarks, indicating the present keeper has maintained the vehicle to a satisfactory standard for roadworthiness. Reviewing the broader trend across the last several tests, the pattern is one of stable maintenance. The earlier advisories regarding track rod end dust covers in 2024 were classed as minor and the dust covers were still preventing ingress of dirt, meaning the joints themselves were not yet compromised. The accumulation of advisories in 2021 and 2022 has not been repeated, suggesting that the items raised, namely the ageing tyres and the air conditioning compressor weep, were addressed or have not deteriorated to a point requiring further tester comment. There is no evidence in the MOT record of any recurring brake, suspension, structural, or exhaust defects, which is reassuring for a ten year old vehicle. With 45,945 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this Vauxhall Adam has covered around 4,594 miles annually, which is well below the typical mileage for a city car of its type. Such low usage can indicate a second vehicle, short commute use, or extended periods of standing. While lower mileage generally preserves major drivetrain components, prolonged standing introduces its own wear concerns, particularly regarding brake disc corrosion from infrequent use, potential binding or seizing of calliper pistons, and degradation of rubber and polymer components through age rather than use. There are no significant mileage gaps or sudden accumulation phases evident in the MOT history, suggesting consistent ownership and likely consistent though light use throughout its life. Given the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, prospective buyers should focus on age related deterioration rather than high mileage wear. The nearside rear tyre perishing advisory from 2022 demonstrates that the previous owner was alerted to sidewall cracking, and all four tyres were noted as showing early perishing in 2021, so a thorough inspection of current tyre sidewalls for cracking, bulging, or brittleness is essential, regardless of remaining tread depth. The air conditioning compressor coolant leak advisory from 2022 should be investigated, noting whether the system still cools effectively and whether there is any oily residue or staining around the compressor and pipework. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2022, so residual pad material and brake disc condition, including any lipping or surface corrosion from standing, should be physically examined. Further practical checks should include a 12 volt battery health assessment, as batteries in low use vehicles frequently suffer from sulphation and reduced cranking performance. All major fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the air conditioning refrigerant charge, should be verified for condition and service history, as these degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocking over uneven road surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes or top mount wear given the car's age, and feel for any pulling under braking, which may suggest a seizing calliper after extended standing. Verify handbrake holding efficiency on an incline, as cables and mechanisms can seize when rarely used. Finally, confirm a full main dealer or specialist service history with evidence of cambelt or timing chain inspection, coolant renewal, and brake fluid changes at appropriate intervals, as a ten year old car with low mileage is best assessed on the quality and consistency of its servicing rather than the absence of MOT failures.