Vauxhall Zafira (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 219 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,761

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,761/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Petrol1796cc27 years old219 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,761

Per month£230/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Vauxhall brand average of 84%.

65% of MOT tests on Vauxhall Zafiras from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 219 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,366 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models327th of 361(bottom 10%)

Rank among Vauxhall models851st of 870(bottom 3%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-10%(75% avg)

vs Vauxhall average-19%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,366

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Vauxhall Zafira had 123,366 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 86%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Vauxhall Zafira by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	86%	7,948	48,589 mi
2017	84%	19,182	57,186 mi
2016	83%	19,435	69,725 mi
2015	81%	24,364	79,658 mi
2014	79%	47,163	87,407 mi
2013	78%	47,851	91,885 mi
2012	76%	28,728	96,866 mi
2011	73%	23,998	106,807 mi
2010	72%	32,021	108,515 mi
2009	70%	18,589	107,690 mi
2008	69%	27,404	113,639 mi
2007	68%	22,972	114,567 mi
2006	69%	15,366	117,052 mi
2005	69%	10,501	117,280 mi
2004	70%	8,351	117,412 mi
2003	69%	4,657	117,922 mi
2002	71%	2,799	121,379 mi
2001	71%	1,295	121,885 mi
2000	66%	452	133,027 mi
1999	65%	219	123,366 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+6%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

+3%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+8%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+6%

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About the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira

The 1999 Vauxhall Zafira is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 219 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 10% of 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 123,366 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Vauxhall Zafira owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Vauxhall Zafira Fuel Costs

The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 Vauxhall Zafira?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,761 (£230/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Vauxhall Zafira Reliability Trend

Newer Vauxhall Zafiras pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1999 Vauxhall Zafira

At 27 years old, the Vauxhall Zafira is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 123k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Vauxhall Zafira(1999)	65%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,761
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£608
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428-£333
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£433
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561-£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira

Is the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 1999 Vauxhall Zafiras ended in a pass, from 219 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Vauxhall Zafira cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,761 a year (£230 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Vauxhall Zafira?

65% of 219 MOT tests on the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 327th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom 10%).

Which year Vauxhall Zafira has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Vauxhall Zafira has the highest MOT pass rate at 86% and the 1999 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Vauxhall Zafira?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Vauxhall Zafira is 123,366 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.