2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  37.7% All 2003 cars

  18.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Shock absorbers2.5× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  16.2% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  13.3% All 2003 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  59% 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
  52% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel

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× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?