2009 Chevrolet Matiz 1.0L Petrol · DV09 WZE

The 2009 Chevrolet Matiz presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 20 January 2026 at 81,667 miles, passed cleanly with only a general advisory for surface corrosion on the underside. This is a marked improvement over the preceding tests, suggesting the last keeper addressed the more pressing mechanical issues that plagued the car in 2024 and 2025. The trend is therefore one of recent improvement, moving from a period of neglect toward a more stable state, though the underlying history warrants caution. The mileage profile is notably low for a seventeen-year-old vehicle. Between the January 2023 test at 76,837 miles and the January 2026 test at 81,667 miles, the car covered just 4,830 miles over three years, averaging roughly 1,610 miles annually. This is exceptionally light use and raises the possibility of long periods of standing, which can cause its own problems such as perished rubber components, sticking brakes, and localised corrosion from moisture settling in cavities. The gap between the January 2025 test at 80,104 miles and the January 2026 test at 81,667 miles shows a modest uptick to 1,563 miles in that final year, but the overall pattern remains one of very low utilisation. The 2025 test revealed a cluster of advisories that point to deferred maintenance. Both rear wheel bearings showed slight play and the nearside was noisy, indicating wear that typically worsens gradually and may eventually require replacement. The front exhaust had a minor gas leak and the rear exhaust mounting hanger was detached, suggesting the exhaust system has been deteriorating and may need attention if not already addressed. Both front Macpherson struts were flagged for corrosion, and the nearside track rod end dust cover was deteriorated, allowing dirt ingress that accelerates joint wear. The nearside rear tyre was cracking or perishing, consistent with age-related deterioration rather than wear, reinforcing the low-mileage standing theory. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the underside and suspension. Check the front struts for any progression beyond surface corrosion, particularly around the spring seats and lower mounting points. Verify the rear wheel bearings by rocking the wheels and listening for roughness during a short test drive. Inspect the full exhaust system for the repaired or replaced hanger and confirm the front joint is gas-tight. Examine all tyre sidewalls for age cracking, as the 2025 advisory suggests the rubber may be original or very old. The January 2024 failure for a corroded rear brake pipe and imbalanced rear brakes also demands a close look at the braking system, including pipe condition and caliper operation, to confirm these were properly rectified rather than merely masked.