2003 Vauxhall Zafira petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  32.9% All 2003 cars

  18.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  25.5% All 2003 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  19.9% All 2003 cars

  10%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  19.9% All 2003 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.5% of all 2003 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.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  14.5% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, 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.

Common 2003 Vauxhall Zafira petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  52% 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
  49% 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
  36% 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
  35% 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
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  24% 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 an engine warning light.

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

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 1.7× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Vauxhall Zafira petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?