2009 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Diesel · DV09 NKM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 120,049 miles passed with only a minor non-excessive oil leak, this leak has appeared consistently since at least July 2022. The trend shows a stable mechanical condition, though the 2023 failure suggests that components are only addressed once they reach a point of failure or advisory threshold. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. There was a significant gap of 11,590 miles between July 2022 and August 2023, followed by another 11,589 miles between August 2023 and August 2024. This steady accumulation suggests regular use, though the low annual mileage relative to the age often contributes to the degradation of rubber-based components, as evidenced by the tyre issues noted in the records. A buyer must personally inspect the front suspension thoroughly, as the history shows specific vulnerabilities there. In August 2023, a fractured nearside coil spring and a deteriorated offside track rod end dust cover caused a failure. The buyer should check for signs of premature wear in other ball joints and suspension bushes. Additionally, the thin nearside front brake pads noted in August 2024 indicate that the braking system is nearing attention, requiring a check of the discs for uneven wear or heat-scoring. The recurring oil leak noted across the last four tests warrants close scrutiny. While the tester deemed it non-excessive, a persistent leak often originates from a gasket or seal failure that will eventually worsen. Given the history of perishing tyres and sidewall damage in 2022 and 2023, the buyer should also verify the age and condition of all tyres for cracking, as the vehicle may have sat for extended periods between services.