Opel Zafira Elegance 16v (2002)

125 real MOT outcomes analysed • 65.3% first-time pass rate

2002 Opel Zafira Elegance 16v

CarHunch analysed 125 real MOT records for the 2002 Opel Zafira Elegance 16v. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 2002 Opel Zafira Elegance is significantly less reliable than the UK average, with a 65.3% first-time pass rate versus 80%, and a concerning 31.2% of examples flagged for dangerous defects—well above acceptable thresholds for a family car. That's a genuine buyer concern, especially if you're considering this as everyday transport with children.

At around 85,000 miles median, these cars aren't overly worn for their age, but each vehicle averages 4.22 failures and 17.8 advisories, suggesting structural or systemic issues rather than isolated problems. Before purchasing, have an independent pre-buy inspection completed by someone familiar with this generation Zafira, and specifically ask about seatbelt and brake system history.

Below average reliability 14.7% below UK average
65.3%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
85,189
typical mileage
64,533–98,598 middle half
31.2%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
4.22
avg MOT failures per car
over 13.7 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2002 Opel Zafira Elegance 16v

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 31.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Opel Zafira Elegance 16v

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (70%) 87 66.3% 3.97
Diesel (30%) 38 63.1% 4.79

Mileage Distribution

Most 2002 Opel Zafira Elegance 16v vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

64,533
low mileage
85,189
typical
98,598
high mileage

Half of all 2002 Opel Zafira Elegance 16v vehicles fall between 64,533 and 98,598 miles.

2002 Opel Zafira Elegance 16v — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2020 (14% of peak).

79 11 2014 2020

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2020.

MOT History Averages

13.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.22
Avg failures per vehicle
17.8
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Opel Zafira Elegance 16v?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK