2012 Vauxhall Zafira 1.6L Petrol · YF61 XUD

The 1.6-litre petrol Zafira typically returns around 32–38 mpg in mixed use, with a 58-litre tank giving a real-world range of around 400 miles. Road tax falls into a higher bracket for pre-2017 petrol vehicles of this engine size — expect roughly £220–£260 per year. Insurance sits in group 14–16 depending on trim, so premiums for a typical driver will be moderate. Routine maintenance such as cambelts, coolant flushes and brake fluid changes tend to be inexpensive at independent garages, but the parts flagged on this MOT record (discs, pads, brake pipes, suspension arms, anti-roll bar links) add up quickly. Realistically, allowing for depreciation-free motoring on a 14-year-old MPV at this mileage, annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and routine servicing are likely to be £1,500–£1,900.

The MOT record repeatedly flags front brake disc wear, rear brake pipe corrosion, front suspension arm corrosion and the nearside front upper anti-roll bar linkage dust cover — all of these should be physically inspected on a ramp before purchase. The November 2025 test also noted rear brake pad wear and nearside rear brake lag, so check whether the caliper or handbrake mechanism needs attention. The December 2023 failure listed a fractured nearside rear coil spring; verify this was properly replaced and that no secondary damage was caused. The 2024 advisory noted signs of overheating on the offside rear brake, which can indicate a seized caliper or sticking handbrake cable — both worth checking. Beyond the MOT items, this 1.6 petrol engine is known to suffer from timing chain stretch on high-mileage examples, so listen for rattle on cold start and check for oil leaks around the cam cover and sump. Finally, inspect the rear brake pipes closely for live corrosion — the advisory wording suggests ongoing deterioration rather than a one-off.