2016 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · SC16 CLX

The Vauxhall Adam presented a clean bill of health at its most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 7 October 2025, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. This follows a string of four consecutive passes with no advisories from 2023 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle is being maintained to a satisfactory roadworthy standard in the short term. Looking at the broader history, however, there is one notable failure in February 2021 for a nearside front shock absorber exhibiting a significant fluid leak, and an earlier pass in February 2022 carried two advisories relating to front brake disc wear and a worn offside front Macpherson strut pin or bush. While the recent trend is positive and shows no recurrence of these specific issues, the historical record indicates the front suspension damping and braking components have required attention, and any prospective buyer should be alert to the possibility of further deterioration in these areas. The recorded mileage of 59,125 miles over approximately ten years equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,912 miles, which is considerably below the national average and points to either light regular use or extended periods of standing. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and transmission, but it introduces a different set of age-related concerns. Vehicles that spend long periods stationary are particularly susceptible to brake disc corrosion, binding or seized brake calipers, and deterioration of rubber and plastic components through lack of use. The relatively sparse MOT history prior to 2020, with only two tests recorded in the dataset, may also indicate intermittent use or periods off the road, both of which can accelerate calendar-based degradation of fluids, batteries, and exposed metal surfaces. Given the historical advisories concerning the front brake discs and front suspension mounting components, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to these systems during a physical inspection and test drive. The front brake discs should be examined for lipping around the outer edge, scoring, and any signs of surface corrosion, particularly given the February 2022 advisory noting pitting and wear on the front inner brake disc; on a test drive, any brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, or pulling to one side would suggest uneven disc wear or a binding caliper. The Macpherson strut top mount and pin or bush should be inspected for excessive play by rocking the wheel at twelve and six o'clock with the vehicle raised, and any clonking, knocking, or creaking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, rough surfaces, or during full steering lock manoeuvres would indicate renewed wear in these components. The February 2021 shock absorber failure should prompt close inspection of the nearside front strut for any fresh signs of fluid weeping, and a road test should confirm that the vehicle remains composed and settled over undulating surfaces without excessive bouncing or front-end instability. In addition to following up on the historical advisories, a buyer of this ten-year-old Adam should undertake several age-appropriate checks that are not necessarily reflected in the MOT record. The tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by UV exposure and age, even if the tread depth remains adequate, and the manufacturing date code on the sidewall should be reviewed, as tyres older than six years are generally considered to have reached the end of their safe service life regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery should be tested for its state of health, as batteries in low-mileage vehicles that undergo frequent short journeys or extended standing often fail prematurely, and the charging system should be verified with the engine running. Brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil should all be assessed for their age and condition, as these degrade over time rather than by mileage alone, and a full service history should be requested to confirm that time-based servicing has been carried out regardless of the low annual mileage. Finally, the underside of the vehicle, exhaust system, and brake lines should be examined for any surface corrosion consistent with a ten-year-old vehicle that has seen several winters of road salt exposure, and the exhaust should be checked for blowing gases, insecure mounting rubbers, or internal corrosion.