2014 Vauxhall Antara 2.2L Diesel · TM03 KAM

The most recent MOT test on 19 January 2026 resulted in an initial failure due to an inoperative rear registration plate lamp and a damaged offside rear bumper with sharp splitting edges likely to cause injury, before the vehicle was presented again later the same day and recorded as a pass once those items were presumably rectified. The overall maintenance trend over the documented history is mixed but broadly stable, with passes recorded in 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the 2026 retest successfully clearing the safety-related majors. However, the cluster of advisories carried into the current pass is more extensive than seen on earlier tests, and the January 2025 failure for a fractured nearside front coil spring alongside another registration plate lamp issue suggests the vehicle has begun to accumulate wear-related items at a slightly accelerating rate, even if it remains within legal roadworthy condition. At 86,359 miles over approximately twelve years, this Antara has covered an average of around 7,200 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical band for a vehicle of its age and reflects moderate mixed-use driving. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage progression or sudden jumps indicative of clock tampering, and the steady accumulation suggests the engine, transmission, and drivetrain have been worked reasonably consistently. This kind of mileage is not yet high enough to raise immediate concerns over major mechanical items, but it is approaching territory where suspension bushes, dampers, and clutch components on a manual example will begin to show meaningful wear, particularly given the SUV weight and transverse engine packaging of this model. The most recent advisories warrant close physical inspection before purchase. The front and rear suspension components described as corroded but not seriously weakened should be examined on a ramp or over a pit for any advanced surface deterioration, advanced rust through, or perishing of rubber bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and strut top mounts. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the front end where the coil spring previously fractured, as this failure mode is not uncommon on vehicles of this age and the replacement spring should be confirmed as genuine and correctly rated. The sump area oil seepage and the slight steering rack seepage noted at the front should be monitored for progression; check the underside for fresh drips, inspect the power steering fluid reservoir for level and colour, and feel through the steering for any heaviness, irregular assist, or groaning noises during full-lock manoeuvres that could indicate the rack seals are deteriorating. The advisory regarding pitted and corroded front brake discs is typical for a vehicle that has seen regular standing periods, and while the bands of corrosion on the inner surfaces are not yet a failure item, they will eventually progress to judder under braking and reduced stopping efficiency. On a road test, the vehicle should be brought up to speed and braked firmly several times to check for vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, and a visual inspection behind the wheels should confirm there is sufficient remaining friction material on the pads. The rear wiper torn should be replaced as a matter of course before any long journey in poor weather. Beyond the advisories, an inspection should include thorough checks of tyre sidewalls for cracking and perishing given the age of the vehicle regardless of tread, verification of the 12V battery health as original units of this vintage often struggle with cold cranking, confirmation of recent timing belt or chain service records depending on which engine is fitted, and a check of brake fluid and coolant age as these fluids have strict calendar-based replacement intervals that are frequently overlooked on older vehicles.