2011 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · BL11 HCJ

The vehicle's recent MOT history shows a pattern of worsening mechanical degradation despite passing its most recent test. While the June 2026 test at 67,688 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged several significant issues including a corroded offside front brake pipe, a worn Macpherson strut pin or bush, and a deteriorated exhaust flexi pipe. These faults represent an escalation in severity compared to the 2025 test, where only minor registration plate deterioration and exhaust wear were noted. The presence of corrosion on a brake pipe suggests that the vehicle's ability to manage fluid integrity is declining. The mileage profile indicates very low annual usage, averaging approximately 4,500 miles per year over its 15-year lifespan. This low usage is evident in the progression from 63,355 miles in January 2024 to 67,688 miles in June 2026. However, the data from early 2024 reveals a period of intensive maintenance or neglect, with two failures occurring within three months. The jump from 63,355 miles in January 2024 to 63,787 miles in March 2024 shows minimal movement, suggesting the car may spend long periods stationary, which often contributes to the rubber perishing and component corrosion seen in the records. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and suspension components. The recurring issues with front brake pads, worn discs, and the recent corrosion on the offside front brake pipe indicate that the braking hardware requires close scrutiny. The Macpherson strut issues have appeared in both the March 2024 failure and the June 2026 advisory, suggesting that the suspension bushes or strut bearings are not being adequately addressed. The deterioration of the exhaust flexi pipe also appears as a persistent fault across multiple years, which may lead to further emissions issues or structural failure of the exhaust system. Further attention should be paid to the tyres and general upkeep. The March 2024 failure highlighted mismatched tyre sizes on the rear axle and perishing rubber, while the June 2026 test noted a nail in the nearside rear tyre. These findings, combined with the previous failures regarding inoperative lamps and oil leaks, suggest a maintenance approach that focuses on passing the test rather than proactive mechanical preservation. Inspecting the underside for further corrosion and ensuring the engine maintains a steady idle is essential given the previous emissions failure.