2010 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · EK10 PVE

The most recent DVSA test recorded on 20 October 2022 returned a Pass, albeit with a series of minor defects and three advisories – an inoperative off‑side rear registration‑plate lamp, a front‑brake imbalance of 29 percent and near‑side front tyre wear close to the legal limit, together with a noted exhaust‑gas leak at the rear silencer joint. Earlier in the same day a failure was logged for the same lamp fault and the same brake‑imbalance advisory, suggesting a re‑test after a quick remedy. Over the preceding five years the pattern moves from outright failures in 2020 (including a dangerous front tyre bulge and multiple lighting faults) to a clean pass in 2021 and a largely compliant pass in 2022, indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory has been improving after a period of neglect. At 106 986 mi the car averages roughly 6 700 mi per annum, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the UK norm for a sixteen‑year‑old hatchback. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, nor any spikes that would suggest aggressive short‑term use. Consequently the wear on major components such as the engine, transmission and suspension is likely to be moderate rather than excessive for its age, but the cumulative mileage does mean that consumables – tyres, brakes and bushings – will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives. Potential buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. The recorded front‑brake imbalance points to either uneven pad wear or a possible caliper sticking issue; a visual inspection should confirm pad thickness on both sides, look for uneven disc wear, and a road test should reveal any pull to one side, pulsation or shudder under braking. The near‑side front tyre was flagged for edge wear, so the tread depth must be measured across the tyre’s width and the sidewalls examined for cracking, bulging or dry‑rot, especially given the vehicle’s age. The rear‑silencer‑to‑pipe joint previously leaked exhaust gases, so a thorough check for soot stains, rattles or a hissing sound at idle is advisable, and the exhaust pipe should be inspected for rust or perforation that could affect emissions compliance. Beyond the specific MOT items, a comprehensive age‑related inspection is prudent. Verify that all exterior lighting functions correctly, including the rear registration‑plate lamp that has recurred. Inspect the off‑side rear shock absorber for any oil seepage or loss of damping, a condition hinted at in 2019, and listen for clunks over bumps. Examine the windscreen for the previously noted chip and ensure the wiper arms are secure and not near failure. Given the vehicle’s sixteen‑year service life, assess the 12 V battery for charge holding, check coolant, brake and gearbox fluids for colour and sediment, and look for any chassis corrosion, especially around wheel arches and undercarriage, which can develop when a car sits for extended periods. A full service history stamp book, if available, will help confirm that these items have been addressed at appropriate intervals before finalising the purchase.