2009 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · GF09 XLE

The 2026-06-03 MOT passed, confirming roadworthiness, but the near side front shock absorbers displayed light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b)), a condition that also appeared in the 2025-06-03 test, indicating a stable advisory rather than a worsening fault. No other defects were recorded, and the vehicle met all legal standards for emissions, lighting and structural integrity. At 96,465 miles and 17 years of age, the vehicle averages 5,674 miles per year, a figure lower than typical for its age and suggesting extended periods of limited use. The interval between the 2024-06-20 test (94,770 miles) and the 2026-06-03 test (96,465 miles) covers only 1,695 miles in two years, while earlier gaps such as the 2022-06-15 to 2023-06-15 interval (460 miles) show similarly modest annual accumulation, indicating the car has spent considerable time stationary. A buyer should inspect the suspension bushes and coil springs for excessive wear or cracking, verify that the near side front shock oil misting has not progressed to leakage, and examine the rear brake calipers for binding and the brake discs for corrosion or scoring. The history of tyre wear on the near side front tyre edge (2022, 2020) and the 2017 near side front tyre tread limit suggests checking tyre condition and alignment, while the 2018 offside rear stop lamp and front position lamp failures indicate a review of all exterior lighting and wiring. Further checks should include the washer system for adequate fluid delivery, the anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover for deterioration, and the structural integrity of the chassis and wheel arches for rust, especially given the 2015 windscreen damage and the 2018 lamp failures that point to previous electrical faults. Any signs of structural rust or compromised suspension components must be addressed before purchase.