2010 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Diesel · FG10 TZT

The 2010 Vauxhall Corsa presents a stable but imperfect maintenance record, with the most recent MOT passing in June 2025 at 113,113 miles. The vehicle failed its initial attempt that same day due to an offside rear stop lamp fault, a minor electrical issue rectified before the pass. This pattern of first-time failure followed by a quick retest suggests reactive rather than proactive upkeep. The overall trend is broadly stable, with no escalating mechanical failures, though the recurring nature of certain advisories indicates deferred attention to suspension components rather than a single resolved incident. The mileage progression tells a consistent story of typical use. The car covered 4,476 miles between July 2023 and June 2024, then 8,984 miles in the following twelve months to June 2025, suggesting a recent uptick in use. The annualised average of roughly 7,070 miles aligns with normal driving patterns for a vehicle of this age. The record shows no alarming gaps in testing continuity, with annual MOTs completed each summer since at least 2023, and the mileage climbing steadily without suspicious drops or sudden spikes that might indicate odometer tampering or prolonged storage. The most persistent advisory is the nearside rear shock absorber, flagged for light oil misting in both the June 2023 and June 2024 tests. This recurring observation points to a slowly deteriorating damper seal that has not progressed to a failure but warrants close inspection. A buyer should physically check for visible oil residue on the shock body, assess damping performance over speed bumps, and budget for replacement if the misting has worsened to active dripping. The front brake disc wear noted in 2024 was within acceptable limits at the time, but with nearly 9,000 miles covered since that test, disc thickness and condition should be verified, particularly given the car's increased recent usage. The tester's repeated note about engine covers and under trays restricting inspection is worth taking seriously. These panels can conceal corrosion on subframes, suspension mounting points, and brake lines, common problem areas on older superminis. A prospective buyer should arrange for the car to be lifted so these covers can be removed, allowing a proper check of the underside for rust, especially around the rear beam, sills, and front suspension towers. The rear tyre condition flagged in 2023 also suggests the previous owner ran the car on aged rubber, so current tyre age, sidewall condition, and tread depth across all four corners should be confirmed before purchase.