2014 Vauxhall Adam 1.2L Petrol · YP64 CCY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 February 2026, was passed but recorded two advisories concerning the front tyres – the nearside tyre is close to the legal tread limit and shows edge wear, while the off‑side tyre exhibits slight cracking and early perishing. Apart from these tyre‑related notes the test was clean, and the only other advisory was a deteriorated rear registration plate noted in February 2025. Earlier in the history the vehicle failed in May 2022 due to a damaged nearside front sidewall and a non‑functional tyre‑pressure monitoring system, but it subsequently passed after those issues were addressed. Overall the trend is improving: the major failure from 2022 has been rectified, and recent tests have been passes with only minor wear‑related advisories. At 18 422 miles the Adam averages roughly 1 500 miles per year, which is very low for a 2014 model. Such limited use often points to long periods of inactivity rather than heavy driving, meaning that wear on moving parts is modest but age‑related degradation can be significant. Low mileage reduces the likelihood of fatigue‑related suspension or drivetrain wear, yet components that rely on regular motion – such as rubber bushings, tyre compounds, battery plates and brake disc corrosion – can deteriorate simply with time. The sparse mileage also suggests the vehicle may have been stored, which can exacerbate moisture ingress and rust formation on chassis members and under‑body panels. A prospective buyer should give the front tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for dry rot, sidewall cracks, and any bulges that indicate ageing rubber, and measure tread depth to confirm it exceeds the 1.6 mm legal minimum. Verify that the tyre‑pressure monitoring system is operational by checking the dashboard indicator and, if possible, confirming pressure readings with a hand‑gauge. While on a test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that could betray a developing tyre separation, and feel for steering pull that might hint at uneven tyre wear or mis‑alignment. Also examine the rear registration plate mounting to ensure it is secure and not corroded, as the 2025 advisory flagged deterioration. Given the vehicle’s age and low utilisation, time‑based checks are essential. Inspect the battery for sulphation, swollen case or sluggish cranking; a load test or a simple voltage check after a short idle will reveal its health. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, pitting or uneven pad transfer, and verify that the calipers move freely without sticking – a common issue in cars that sit for long periods. Drain and replace the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant if service records are absent or the fluids appear dark or contain particulates, as these fluids degrade even when the car is not driven. Finally, look for any signs of under‑carriage corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and confirm that the suspension bushes and coil springs are supple rather than cracked or hardened, which can develop with age regardless of mileage.