2016 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4L Petrol · ST66 AGV

A recurring theme of front‑end wear and minor leaks defines the recent MOT profile of this 2016 Vauxhall Zafira. The latest test on 24 April 2026 passed, but flagged a front oil leak that was judged non‑excessive, echoing a similar advisory from the previous year’s test. Earlier records show repeated tyre‑sidewall cuts on the nearside front wheel and a minor front‑exhaust leak, while a single major failure in December 2022 involving the washer system, wipers, TPMS and engine MIL has since been cleared, leaving a pattern of isolated front‑area issues rather than a broad deterioration. At 71,218 mi the vehicle averages roughly 7,100 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal UK usage for a ten‑year‑old family MPV. The MOT history is continuous with roughly annual testing, indicating no prolonged periods off the road that would raise concerns about component ageing from inactivity. The moderate mileage suggests that major drivetrain wear should be within normal limits, but the repeated tyre advisories hint that the vehicle may have been driven on higher‑load routes or with a more aggressive driving style, accelerating tyre surface wear. Prospective buyers should inspect the front oil leak closely: verify oil level, look for drips around the valve cover gasket, oil pan and oil filter housing, and listen for any ticking or low‑oil warnings under load. The minor front‑exhaust leak noted in 2024 warrants a visual check for cracked manifolds or loose gaskets and an audible test for ticking or hissing, as well as a quick sniff for exhaust fumes inside the cabin. Tyre condition demands particular attention – the nearside front tyre has been recorded with a sidewall cut on three occasions and both front tyres were previously close to the legal tread limit; examine all tyres for cuts, sidewall bulges, uneven tread wear and ensure the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm across the tread band. Given the 2022 failure of the washer system, wipers and TPMS, confirm that the windscreen washer pumps, spray nozzles and all three wipers now clear the glass effectively, and that the TPMS indicator illuminates correctly with stable pressure readings. While driving, feel for any pull to one side that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes, listen for clunks over bumps that might reveal deteriorating control‑arm bushings, and test the brakes for pedal feel and any judder that could point to warped discs. Addressing these specific items will give a clear picture of the Zafira’s current roadworthiness before committing to purchase.