2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · ST10 RWN

The most recent MOT test on 28 November 2025 resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this follows the same pattern seen at the November 2023 and November 2024 tests, each of which also concluded with a pass and no recorded issues. It is worth noting, however, that both 2024 and 2025 show a failed test recorded just days before the corresponding pass, suggesting a minor or easily rectified issue was identified, rectified off-site, and then re-presented for a clean pass. While this is not uncommon for older vehicles and does not in itself indicate a worsening mechanical trend, a buyer should view any retest pattern with mild scrutiny, as it can occasionally point to a component that is intermittently borderline or a garage addressing items only when prompted by the MOT process. The recorded mileage of 91,296 miles on a 2010 vehicle equates to an average of roughly 5,700 miles per year, which is notably low for the age and class of the car. Such low annual mileage is consistent with short, infrequent journeys, a second household vehicle, or extended periods of standing. While low mileage reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the engine internals and clutch, it carries its own set of mechanical implications; standing periods accelerate corrosion on brake discs, promote seizing or binding of brake calipers, degrade the 12V battery through chronic partial discharge, and allow oil seals and gaskets to dry and weep on first use after long idle spells. The absence of recorded advisories across the recent tests suggests none of these issues were flagged, but a low-mileage vehicle can easily pass an MOT one day and develop brake or starting issues shortly afterwards if standing-related degradation is already underway. For a prospective buyer of this Zafira, the absence of advisory history means attention should shift to age- and standing-related deterioration rather than wear progression on any specific flagged component. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread depth, as rubber compounds harden and lose elasticity with calendar age regardless of mileage, and the spare should be checked for the same. Brake discs should be inspected for severe surface corrosion, pitting, or lipping, and the caliper sliders should be free-moving, because calipers left standing can bind and cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. A test drive should focus on the smoothness of the brake pedal, any shudder or grinding from the discs as surface rust is scrubbed off, and any pulling to one side that would suggest a seized caliper or collapsed brake hose. Beyond the braking system, the underbonnet and ancillary items deserve careful attention on a vehicle of this age and usage profile. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as a battery that has spent long periods partially discharged will fail without warning, particularly in colder months; coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be checked for age-related degradation, with brake fluid being particularly hygroscopic and due for renewal regardless of mileage. The cambelt and water pump replacement interval for the Zafira petrol engines is critical and should be verified by service records, as a missed interval can result in catastrophic engine damage. On the road, listen for suspension knocks or clonks over uneven surfaces that could indicate perished bushes or weakened coil springs common to high-roof MPVs of this era, and inspect the rear of the vehicle for corrosion along the tailgate, wheel arches, and underbody seams, as the Zafira is known for age-related rust in these areas. A thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp remains strongly advisable.