2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  35.9% All 2004 cars

  17.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 3% of all 2004 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 leaks1.8× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  26.8% All 2004 cars

  14.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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 system2.1× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  20.5% All 2004 cars

  9.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.8% of all 2004 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 springs1.7× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  18.5% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.7% of all 2004 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.

• Brake discs1.6× usual
  Vauxhall Zafira

  20.7% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol 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
  48% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  28% 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 2004 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 2.1× as often on the 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Vauxhall Zafira petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?