1999 Vauxhall Zafira: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Vauxhall Zafira?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  34.8% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 2.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.3× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  15.7% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.8%, against 4.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  17.1% All 1999 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  18.6% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Common 1999 Vauxhall Zafira MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Vauxhall Zafira MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  55% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  46% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  30% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Vauxhall Zafira

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?