Is it a risky gamble to buy a 2010 Vauxhall Zafira with no service history?
I have the opportunity to buy a 2010 Vauxhall Zafira, with 77,000 miles on the clock, from a local independent garage. They can't find the service history book so has to sell car as NSH although he is going to try and contact the previous owners to track it down if possible. My local mechanic has offered to come and view the vehicle with me (£40 fee) and I would be having cambelt, filters, oil change and service carried out immediately. Would you suggest purchasing this vehicle if my mechanic says it's okay? I don't really intend to sell on as I'd like to keep for as long as possible, so resale isn't a concern to me. Price is £2700 but I will be asking for a considerable discount due to no history. Is there any really expensive lasting damage that could have been done had it not had any type of service in its seven years (unlikely, but have to consider it being as no documentation to prove otherwise)?
This is dirt cheap so, with your planned precautions, you could take a punt. As well as the timing belt, tensioner, waterpump, aux belt, the CDTI engine can have inlet manifold swirl flap problems.
Answered by Honest John on