2016 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · DW16 DKV

A clear pattern emerges from the MOT history of this 2016 Vauxhall Corsa that any prospective buyer should be aware of: a recurring concern centred on the rear wheels and tyres. The near side rear road wheel has been flagged as slightly distorted at consecutive tests in September 2022, September 2023, and it was also noted as slightly distorted prior to the fuel cap failure in 2023. Combined with persistent advisories about rear tyres wearing close to the legal limit and damage from nails, this suggests an underlying issue with the rear wheels, whether that be bent rims, impact damage from potholes, or repeated kerbing. The latest test on 16 September 2025 passed without any structural or mechanical advisories, but the ongoing rear-wheel theme means that a thorough physical inspection of both rear rims for cracks, true running, and lateral run-out is essential before purchase. With 63,126 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this Corsa has averaged around 6,300 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class and points to consistent, moderate use rather than long periods of inactivity or heavy motorway commuting. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, and the mileage progression appears steady across the documented tests. This sort of usage pattern generally means that consumable wear should be roughly proportional to the miles covered, and the absence of advisories related to corrosion, suspension bushes, or exhaust integrity is a reassuring indicator that the car has not been left standing for extended periods or subjected to harsh short-trip use that typically accelerates underbody deterioration. The advisories concerning both front strut top mounts flagged as worn in September 2022, combined with pitted front brake discs from the same test, warrant particular attention during a physical inspection and test drive. Worn strut top mounts on a Corsa of this generation commonly manifest as a clonking or knocking noise from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as well as vague or imprecise steering response, particularly over undulating tarmac. The pitted brake discs, noted at the prior test and not flagged again, may have progressed since and should be checked for lipping, uneven wear, and any judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm deceleration from around 40 mph. During a test drive, listen carefully for any suspension knocking from the front, particularly over potholes or speed bumps, and pay close attention to steering precision and any vibration through the wheel, which could indicate either worn strut mounts or further deterioration of the pitted brake discs. Inspect the rear wheels closely for cracks around the spokes, signs of buckling, or any lip on the rim edges, as the persistent distortion advisories suggest this is a known weak point. Confirm the fuel cap seals correctly and holds pressure, given the 2023 failure for a missing cap, and ensure the tyre sidewalls on the rear pair are free from bulges or repairs that may have addressed previous nail damage. Finally, a thorough underbody examination for any emerging corrosion on subframe and suspension components is prudent for a ten-year-old Corsa approaching middle age, even though no such advisories have yet appeared in the MOT record.