2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.7L Diesel · SD60 VPA

The Vauxhall Zafira in question presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past two years, with no defects logged in either of the most recent MOT tests—despite two consecutive failures in May 2025 and May 2024. Both failures occurred without any recorded issues, which strongly suggests the rejections were administrative rather than mechanical, possibly due to missing documentation or minor paperwork oversights. The absence of defects in the two most recent passes, including the current test at 111,325 miles, indicates the vehicle has met all DVSA safety and emissions standards at the time of inspection. However, the repeated failures—each separated by just a few days—raise questions about the thoroughness of previous testing or the owner’s adherence to MOT preparation. No advisories or recurring faults appear in the provided history, meaning there’s no evidence of unresolved mechanical trends such as suspension wear, brake binding, or structural corrosion. The mileage accumulation reflects typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 6,958 miles annually over its 16-year lifespan. The most recent MOT at 111,325 miles in May 2025 shows just 27 miles covered since the previous test in May 2024, suggesting the car may have spent extended periods off the road or was driven minimally in that year. The gap between the 2023 test (97,770 miles) and the 2024 retest (106,460 miles) also indicates a slower mileage build-up, with roughly 8,690 miles logged in just over a year. While this pattern isn’t alarming, it could imply inconsistent usage or potential storage periods, which may accelerate certain forms of wear—particularly in rubber components like suspension bushes or hoses—even if not yet detected in MOTs. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should still conduct a targeted inspection of components prone to silent degradation over time. Pay particular attention to the suspension system, including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, as these often degrade gradually without immediate MOT consequences. Check for signs of binding or uneven wear in the braking system, especially the rear calipers, which can develop issues without triggering a fail if not severe. Exhaust emissions and fuel system integrity should also be verified, as older Zafiras have occasionally suffered from catalytic converter or sensor failures that don’t always appear in routine tests. Finally, inspect the vehicle’s underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around the sills and rear trailing arms, as rust in these areas can compromise structural integrity long before it becomes visually obvious.