2002 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · FD52 WNJ

A clean MOT history across four consecutive annual passes defines this 2002 Vauxhall Corsa's roadworthiness record, with the most recent test on 28 October 2025 showing no advisories or failures. The vehicle has accumulated five test entries in total, and the single failure recorded on 25 October 2022 curiously bears no defect information, which is most plausibly explained as a minor administrative or retest entry rather than a meaningful mechanical event, particularly since an immediate pass was issued on the very same date. The complete absence of recorded advisories across the entire visible history indicates that wear items such as brake components, suspension parts, tyres, exhaust system, and structural corrosion areas have not deteriorated to the threshold where testers were obliged to flag them. While a clean record is reassuring, it is worth bearing in mind that the MOT test is a standardised pass-fail assessment at the time of inspection and does not guarantee the condition of components at the moment of sale. Against an age of approximately twenty-four years, the recorded mileage of 103,985 miles equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,333 miles, which is substantially below average for a vehicle of this vintage. Such low usage can manifest in two divergent mechanical scenarios: either the car has been used lightly and gently throughout its life, preserving mechanical components through minimal wear, or it has experienced extended periods of inactivity which can promote degradation of seals, drying of rubber components, oxidation of brake discs and callipers, and deterioration of fluid systems. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record visible in the supplied data, with tests consistently conducted on an annual basis from 2022 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road. The relatively low annual mileage does, however, mean that components prone to age-related degradation rather than wear-related degradation should be a focus of attention. For a prospective buyer, the lack of flagged advisories removes the ability to direct inspection toward specific previously identified wear points, which means a thorough physical inspection and test drive become particularly important. Attention should be paid to areas commonly affected on a Corsa of this age, including front suspension components such as wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and coil springs, which can crack or perish through age rather than mileage. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel which could indicate worn tie bar or steering rack mountings. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for sponginess or judder under firm application, as standing corrosion on the front discs can produce a pulsing sensation through the pedal even when pad material remains adequate. Given the vehicle's age, particular scrutiny should also be directed toward the structural and corrosion-prone areas not always fully visible during an MOT inspection. Examine the underside for any surface corrosion on the subframe, rear axle, and brake pipe runs, as well as checking the wheel arches, sill edges, and around the fuel filler area for bubbling paint or visible rust. Under the bonnet, inspect for oil leaks from the cam cover gasket and sump, condition of the coolant and expansion tank, and any signs of coolant staining on the radiator or heater matrix pipes. Verify that all electrical systems operate correctly including the cooling fan, lighting, and dashboard warning lamps, as age-related electrical faults are common on vehicles of this generation. A final practical recommendation would be to confirm the timing belt and water pump replacement history, as these items carry a strict replacement interval which, if neglected, can result in catastrophic engine failure, and this information will not be visible in the MOT record.