2018 Vauxhall Zafira 1.4L Petrol · YL67 FEK

Both front tyres were recorded as dangerous in the 2025 MOT because the ply or cords were exposed, a failure that demanded prompt replacement and represents the most serious defect in the vehicle’s recent history. Apart from that incident, the car has cleared its MOTs with only minor advisories – a small exhaust leak noted in 2024 and a windscreen‑wiper inefficiency that also appeared in the same year – and has otherwise passed without recorded faults, indicating a generally clean roadworthiness record aside from the tyre issue. With 58,717 miles logged over eight years, the average annual mileage is roughly 7,300 miles, which sits comfortably within typical usage for a family hatchback of this age. The MOT dates show a regular yearly testing pattern with no extended gaps, suggesting the mileage has been accumulated at a steady rate rather than in short, high‑intensity bursts. This level of use points to moderate wear on consumables such as brake pads, suspension bushes and tyre tread, but does not, on its own, imply premature component failure. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the condition of all four tyres: verify tread depth, look for any signs of sidewall cracking, bulging or repaired patches, and confirm that the tyre age (DOT code) is well within the recommended service life. Test the windscreen wipers for adequate clearance and consistent wiping across the glass, and listen for any hissing or ticking that could indicate the previously noted exhaust leak; a visual inspection of the exhaust flex pipe and surrounding mounts should reveal any cracks or corrosion that might have progressed since the advisory. Any lingering leak could affect emissions compliance and produce a noticeable exhaust note at idle or under acceleration. During a road test, monitor the steering for pull to either side, feel for any knocking or clunking over bumps that might signal worn suspension bushings or loose steering components, and evaluate the brakes for pedal feel, any judder, or uneven response that could hint at uneven pad wear or disc condition. Given the vehicle’s mileage and the isolated defects recorded, a thorough visual and tactile check of the brake discs, pads and hydraulic lines, as well as a quick inspection of the under‑body for corrosion around the exhaust mounting points, will provide a clearer picture of its current mechanical state before purchase.