2016 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · WR66 YFM

The 2016 Vauxhall Adam presents a mixed maintenance picture that has deteriorated in the most recent test cycle. The January 2026 test at 58,161 miles began as a failure before passing on the same day, indicating the previous owner addressed immediate MOT concerns but only after a formal fail. The most recent advisory for a perishing offside rear tyre and an inoperative rear registration plate lamp suggests minor but neglectful upkeep. The trend is not clearly improving; while the 2024 test passed cleanly at 50,933 miles, the 2024 failure at the same mileage flagged deteriorated track rod end dust covers on both front corners and a headlamp aim fault, pointing to suspension wear that was rectified but not necessarily repaired to a high standard. The mileage profile is notably low, averaging approximately 5,816 miles per year over a decade. The gap between the November 2023 pass at 43,625 miles and the October 2024 pass at 50,933 miles shows a jump of 7,308 miles in roughly eleven months, suggesting a shift from light use to more regular driving. The vehicle then covered only a further 7,228 miles between October 2024 and January 2026, a period of fifteen months, indicating a return to lower usage. This stop-start pattern can cause moisture accumulation in the exhaust and brake corrosion from prolonged standing, issues not always visible in a standard MOT check. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. The 2024 failure flagged both track rod end ball joint dust covers as excessively deteriorated, allowing dirt ingress that accelerates joint wear. Even though the subsequent pass confirms the immediate fail was cleared, the underlying condition of the track rod ends and inner tie rods should be checked for play. The offside front Macpherson strut top mounting bush showing slight free play in November 2023 at 43,625 miles is another area to monitor, as worn top mounts cause knocking over bumps and uneven tyre wear. The repeated appearance of tyre wear advisories, including both front tyres worn close to the legal limit in 2023 and a perishing offside rear tyre in 2026, suggests the car may spend extended periods stationary, leading to flat-spotting and sidewall degradation. The braking system and underside condition warrant close attention given the low-mileage, part-time usage pattern. Brake discs and pads on vehicles that stand for long periods often surface-rust and develop uneven pad deposits, which the MOT does not always flag unless braking efficiency is compromised. Inspect the rear brake calipers for seized slides and the handbrake cables for free movement, as the 2023 advisory on tyre wear could mask a dragging brake. Check the exhaust system for corrosion from internal moisture, particularly around the silencer seams and flexi-joint. The structural integrity of the sills, subframes, and suspension mounting points should be examined for any signs of surface corrosion that could develop into a structural concern if the vehicle returns to higher mileage use.