2008 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · WF08 AEU

The 2022‑03‑09 MOT at 122,973 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester noted light oil misting on the near‑side front shock absorber and a worn parking brake lever. The recurring oil misting on the front shock absorber first appeared in 2014 and persists through 2022, indicating a stable but unaddressed suspension wear pattern; no worsening of structural or braking defects is evident in the recent record. The vehicle’s mileage has risen from 86,948 miles in May 2014 to 122,973 miles in March 2022, an accumulation of roughly 36,025 miles over eight years, or about 4,500 miles per year, which aligns with the typical 6,800 miles per year for an 18‑year‑old Corsa. The only notable jump occurs between the 2015 and 2016 tests, where mileage increased by 9,000 miles in a single year, but the overall progression remains continuous and does not suggest long periods of standing. A buyer should therefore prioritize a physical inspection of the suspension components – examine the near‑side front and off‑side rear shock absorbers for oil leakage, test the damping action, and verify the condition of the coil springs, which fractured in the 2020 failure. The front brake discs show repeated pitting and wear, and the parking brake lever is worn, so pad thickness, disc scoring and caliper movement must be checked. The body sills have not been inspected because of plastic covers, so a visual assessment for rust or structural damage is essential, along with verification of wiper operation, washer fluid levels, and all lighting functions that have repeatedly appeared as advisories.