Opel Zafira buying guide (Ireland, 2026)
What a used Opel Zafira costs in Ireland, how it does at the NCT, what goes wrong and what it costs to fix. Based on 41 for sale right now.
Our take on the Opel Zafira
Most for sale are diesels (73%), which suit longer, regular drives; for mostly short trips a petrol is the safer buy. At the NCT, the 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2017 cars fail more often than other cars the same year, so a fresh NCT is worth paying a little more for. The 2.0 diesel is the most common engine (55% of those with a known engine), and it usually lasts around 280k km.
Check a Opel Zafira's priceNCT pass rate by year
Used Opel Zafira prices by year
Typical asking price by registration year, and typical mileage. Private sellers usually take 5–10% less than asking; expect dealers to be a little dearer.
| Year | Typical price | Typical mileage | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | €7,000 | 213k km | 7 |
| 2013 | €4,000 | 170k km | 8 |
Opel Zafira NCT pass rate
How often Opel Zafiras pass their NCT first time, compared with other cars the same year (Road Safety Authority (RSA), NCT make & model data 2025, initial tests).
| Year | Pass first time | Other cars, same year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 55% | 64% | |
| 2016 | 37% | 55% | |
| 2015 | 53% | 53% | |
| 2014 | 46% | 51% | |
| 2013 | 43% | 46% | |
| 2012 | 39% | 42% | |
| 2011 | 29% | 38% | |
| 2010 | 32% | 34% | |
| 2007 | 25% | 31% | |
| 2006 | 33% | 30% | |
| 2004 | 32% | 28% |
Most common reasons a 2014 Opel Zafira fails: lights & electrics (22.7% of tests, more than most cars), steering & suspension (22.2% of tests, more than most cars), wheel alignment (15.7% of tests), brake test (rollers) (15.7% of tests, more than most cars).
Cheap fixes before the NCT (eBay.ie): Bulbs for the Opel ZafiraBrake pads for the Opel Zafira
Common Opel Zafira problems
Known weak spots to check before you buy, with typical Irish garage costs if the problem is there.
Rust on sills, arches and brake pipes (15+ years old) · €100–€600
Kneel down and look at the sills, rear arches and the brake pipes under the car. Flaking rust is an NCT fail.
Automatic gearbox health · €300–€2,500
Make sure the gear changes are smooth when warm, check for a gearbox warning light and ask if the gearbox oil was ever changed.
Timing belt history · €350–€700
Ask when the timing belt and water pump were last done (usually every 160,000 km or 5–6 years). No proof = budget for it.
Thermostat housing leak / coolant loss · €100–€300
Look for pink crust around the thermostat housing and check the coolant is at the line.
Blower resistor fault (fire-risk recall) · €60–€200
Try every fan speed. Ask if the recall was done.
Engines and how long they last
| Engine | Usually lasts | Motor tax / year | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel | ~280k km | ~€270 | 6 |
| 1.7 Diesel | ~330k km | ~€270 | 5 |
2.0 Diesel: usual problem: dMF, swirl flaps and EGR.
"Usually lasts" is the mileage these engines commonly reach before major work; service history matters more than the number.
Parts and upgrades for the Opel Zafira
Parts for the Opel Zafira on eBay.ie
New and used parts from Irish and UK sellers. Check the part number or fit before you buy.
Brake padsCheck front or rear, and the disc size if there are twoSee on eBay.ie →
Brake discsReplace in pairs, with new padsSee on eBay.ie →
Oil filterChange it at every oil serviceSee on eBay.ie →
Wiper bladesSplit or smearing blades can fail the NCTSee on eBay.ie →
BulbsA blown bulb is an easy NCT failSee on eBay.ie →
BatteryCheck the size and terminal layoutSee on eBay.ie →
OBD2 fault code readerReads engine fault codes on your phoneSee on eBay.ie →Example photos, not the exact product (Wikimedia Commons): Treemonster86, CC BY-SA 3.0; Tharish, CC BY-SA 3.0; Dvortygirl, CC BY-SA 3.0; Wesha, Public domain; Mib18, CC BY-SA 3.0; Cjp24, CC BY-SA 4.0; Arp, Public domain.
Upgrades for the Opel Zafira
Popular add-ons. The mats are made for this model; the rest fit most cars. More car accessories →
Floor matsMade to fit the Opel ZafiraSee on eBay.ie →
CarPlay screenAdds Apple CarPlay (and usually Android Auto) to a car without it: sits on the dashSee on eBay.ie →
Wireless CarPlay adapterFor cars that already have CarPlay with a cableSee on eBay.ie →
Reversing cameraMakes parking easier; some CarPlay screens come with oneSee on eBay.ie →
Phone holderKeeps your phone off your lap for directionsSee on eBay.ie →
Dash camFootage settles insurance arguments quicklySee on eBay.ie →Example photos, not the exact product (Wikimedia Commons): Keystones, CC BY-SA 3.0; Butterhimmel, CC BY-SA 4.0; Sunnyboy122, CC0; https://www.flickr.com/photos/banoootah_qtr/, CC BY 2.0; Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0; Ellin Beltz, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Before you buy a used Opel Zafira
Run a history check on the reg (write-off, finance owing, mileage), ask when the timing belt was done and for receipts, and start it from cold yourself. The used car checklist takes you through a viewing step by step.
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