2017 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · SW17 JFU

The most recent MOT inspection on 28 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle is showing a clear trend of increasing mechanical advisories compared to previous years. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record since 2020, the recent accumulation of faults regarding braking components, suspension, and tyre condition suggests that the car is entering a phase of wear-and-tear maintenance. The transition from no defects in 2024 to multiple advisories in 2026 indicates that components are reaching the end of their serviceable life, meaning the maintenance trend is currently worsening rather than improving. With 61,740 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,860 miles per year. This is considered low-to-moderate annual mileage, which often suggests the car has been used for short urban trips or has spent periods stationary. While this lower mileage may have preserved the engine and drivetrain, it can also lead to specific issues such as rubber component degradation and brake corrosion. The mileage is consistent with the age of a 2017 Vauxhall Adam, but the lack of high-speed motorway running may explain why certain items like tyres and suspension components are showing signs of age-related perishing rather than purely mileage-based wear. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems during a test drive. The advisory regarding play in the offside front Macpherson strut ball joint is a significant point of concern; you should listen for knocking or clunking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as this indicates a loose connection that will eventually require replacement to maintain steering precision. Furthermore, the light misting of oil on the offside rear shock absorber suggests a developing seal leak. While not an immediate failure, you should monitor for increased body roll or a bouncy sensation, as the damping effectiveness will diminish over time. The advisory for worn front brake discs means you should check for any pulsation or shuddering through the brake pedal when decelerating from higher speeds, which would indicate uneven disc thickness or warping. Regarding the tyres, the recurring advisories for cracking and perishing on the rear tyres are a direct result of the vehicle's age and potentially its usage pattern. Even if the tread depth appears sufficient, sidewall cracking indicates the rubber is becoming brittle and losing its structural integrity, which increases the risk of a blowout. You should inspect all four tyres for similar signs of age-related degradation and check for uneven wear patterns that might suggest alignment issues. Given the history of tyre advisories, it is also advisable to verify the service book for evidence of regular fluid changes, as low-mileage vehicles can suffer from moisture buildup in the oil and brake fluid due to infrequent, short journeys.