2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.2L Petrol · FN12 NXC

This 2012 Chevrolet Spark presents a stable and currently sound mechanical picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 16 January 2026 at 41,863 miles, passed with zero defects whatsoever. That clean sheet is significant. It indicates that the corrosion, worn suspension bushes, and damaged components flagged in previous years have been addressed, suggesting a period of attentive maintenance by the current keeper. The trend is clearly improving, moving from a cluster of advisories in early 2024 to a completely unblemished record five months ago. The mileage profile tells a specific story. At roughly 2,990 miles per year, this is a notably low-mileage example for a fourteen-year-old city car. The record shows a clear acceleration in use recently. Between the February 2024 test at 30,278 miles and the January 2026 test at 41,863 miles, the car covered 11,585 miles in just under two years. That is a sharp jump compared to the gentle accumulation of around 3,000 miles per year seen in the preceding period from 2022 to 2024. This suggests the car may have been stood for a period before being brought back into regular daily service, or that a new owner has been using it heavily. The low overall figure is a positive indicator of reduced mechanical fatigue, but the sudden spike in mileage means recent wear on consumables should not be underestimated. Buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system, as these areas drew the most serious flags in the 2024 test. The corroded offside rear brake pipe and the worn Macpherson strut top mounts on both sides were structural and safety-related advisories. While the 2026 pass suggests repairs were made, a thorough check of the underside for fresh welding, replaced brake lines, and the condition of the strut top mount bearings is essential. Pay close attention to the brake discs and pads all round, as a car that has stood can develop surface corrosion on friction components that masks underlying wear. Tyre condition also warrants scrutiny. The 2022 test flagged cracking and perishing on both rear tyres, a classic symptom of a vehicle spending extended periods stationary. Even with the recent clean MOT, the age of the tyres is a critical factor. Check the date stamps on all four sidewalls. Any tyre older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. The same logic applies to the auxiliary drive belt and coolant hoses, which degrade with time and standing, not just mileage.