2010 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · SW10 OJC

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a trend of worsening mechanical wear and structural corrosion. While it passed its most recent test in late August 2025 at 98,920 miles, this followed a significant failure just days prior that revealed multiple defects across steering, suspension, and emissions systems. The history indicates that while repairs are being made to maintain legality, the underlying condition of the chassis and suspension components is reaching the end of its effective life. At 98,920 miles, the Zafira has averaged approximately 6,200 miles per year, which is consistent with typical 16-year-old usage. The mileage accumulation has been steady, with roughly 14,000 miles covered between August 2023 and August 2025. However, the low annual mileage has not prevented the vehicle from environmental degradation, as the recurring rust issues suggest that the primary concerns are related to age-related decay rather than high-mileage strain. A physical inspection must focus on the persistent structural issues noted in the records. The rear axle, fuel tank straps, and front Macpherson struts have all been flagged for corrosion across multiple tests; a buyer should verify if this corrosion has progressed beyond "not seriously weakened" status. Furthermore, the steering rack inner joints and various ball joints have shown signs of play and excessive wear, suggesting that the front-end suspension assembly is failing and may require significant future investment to ensure safety and handling. Finally, the buyer should be wary of the emissions and fluid systems. The 2025 failure noted an exhaust leak and a poor lambda reading, indicating potential issues with the oxygen sensor or exhaust manifold. Combined with the documented oil leak noted in 2024, a thorough check of the engine bay is necessary to determine if these are minor seeps or active leaks. The aged tyres and worn brake discs further suggest that.