2016 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · H14 XDM

The most recent MOT test on 21 February 2026 recorded a PASS, but the same visit also included a FAIL on an Offside Front coil spring fracture recorded as a Major defect, which subsequently must have been rectified to enable the pass. The accompanying advisories concerning front brake disc wear and thinning front brake pads suggest the braking hardware on this vehicle is approaching the end of its effective service life and should be expected to require imminent replacement. Looking at the broader MOT history, the maintenance trend shows a noticeable deterioration across the 2025 and 2026 tests, where multiple advisories relating to coolant leakage from the water pump, engine oil seepage from the cam seals, rear tyre wear, and rear brake fluctuation have accumulated alongside the brake and suspension concerns. By contrast, the tests between 2021 and 2024 were passed cleanly with no advisories, indicating that the vehicle has only recently begun to exhibit age and wear-related deterioration rather than suffering from chronic neglect throughout its life. With a recorded mileage of 67,054 miles over a ten-year period, this Corsa averages roughly 6,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this age and indicates a vehicle that has been used regularly rather than left standing for prolonged periods. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent, with steady annual increments of between four and six thousand miles, suggesting normal mixed-use driving conditions rather than any unusually harsh high-mileage accumulation or extended periods of inactivity that might bring their own particular concerns such as brake caliper seizure or severe underbody corrosion. The fractured front coil spring is a structural and safety-critical concern that warrants close physical inspection prior to purchase. Coil spring fracture is a common MOT failure on higher-mileage or older vehicles, often caused by metal fatigue or corrosion, and the offside front position can sometimes indicate localised corrosion or stress. A prospective buyer should carefully examine the offside front suspension for any signs of disturbance, ensure the replacement spring is of correct specification, and inspect the nearside spring for any visible cracking or corrosion pitting as a preventative measure, since when one spring fails on a paired axle the other is often close behind. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or rattling noises over bumps, unevenness in ride height between the two front corners, or vagueness in the steering response. The cluster of brake-related advisories across the last two tests indicates that the front discs and pads now require replacement, and the rear brake fluctuation noted in 2025 suggests the rear brake mechanism, potentially the caliper slide pins, drums, or shoes, may be exhibiting wear or contamination. On inspection, the buyer should measure the front brake disc thickness against the manufacturer minimum specification, check the pad material remaining, and verify that the rear brakes operate evenly without pulling or excessive pedal travel. The coolant leak from the water pump flagged in 2025 is a time-sensitive item, as continued loss of coolant can rapidly lead to overheating and engine damage, so evidence of recent repair or a pressurised cooling system test is essential. The oil leak from the cam seals, while classed as not excessive, is worth monitoring and may worsen with age, so inspect the engine bay for fresh seepage and check the oil level and condition on the dipstick. Given the rear tyres were both flagged as worn close to the legal limit in 2025, the full set of tyres should be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing, which is particularly relevant on a ten-year-old vehicle even where tread depth remains adequate. Finally, although the mileage is reasonable, the age of the car means that time-based servicing items such as the 12V battery, cambelt or chain condition, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should all be verified as current, and a complete service history should be examined to confirm timely maintenance has been carried out.