VAUXHALL ZAFIRA (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 219 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1796cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1796cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VAUXHALL brand average of 84%.
At 27 years old, 65% of VAUXHALL ZAFIRAs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 219 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,366 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
123,366
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA has 123,366 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 86% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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
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About the 1999 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA
The 1999 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 219 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 91% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 123,366 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
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
Based on the 1999 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 outWith 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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VAUXHALL ZAFIRA(1999) | 65% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£675 |
| FORD FOCUS(2001) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£370 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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