2010 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · LL10 LSF

The most recent DVSA test dated 25 July 2025 returned a failure, with the vehicle recorded as having an inoperative off‑side stop lamp, mis‑aligned washer jets, an over‑high off‑side headlamp aim and a front tyre close to the legal tread limit. Although an advisory was also noted, the presence of three safety‑critical failures means the MOT result was a FAIL. Over the preceding six years the pattern has moved from clean passes with only minor advisories (2024, 2023) to a series of serious defects in 2022, 2021 and now 2025, indicating a clear deterioration rather than an improving maintenance trend. The odometer reads 83 223 mi on a vehicle first registered in 2010, giving an average of roughly 5 200 mi per annum – well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of inactivity or very light use, which can be as consequential as high mileage. Age‑related wear on rubber components, seals and corrosion‑prone metal parts can progress even when the car sits, while consumables such as brake pads, tyres and suspension bushes may show uneven wear if the vehicle has been driven only sporadically. Potential gaps in the recorded mileage could also hide periods of higher use that accelerated component fatigue. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the recurring suspension and shock absorber issues. The near‑side front MacPherson strut pin or bush has been flagged repeatedly; inspect for any play when the wheel is rocked, listen for clunking over bumps, and check for oil seepage around the shock bodies, especially on the rear shock which was recorded with a serious fluid leak in 2021. The front brake disc was noted as pitted and scored in 2023 – examine the disc surface for deep scoring, measure disc thickness, and be alert to any brake pedal pulsation or shudder during a test drive, which would suggest the disc is approaching the end of its service life. The exhaust system has a history of a major leak and a silencer that may detach; look for black soot around joints, listen for a hollow rumble at idle, and verify that the rear silencer is securely mounted to avoid a dangerous failure. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age and low utilisation demand a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Check the front tyre for sidewall cracking or dry rot, as rubber can perish even with minimal mileage. Verify the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and inspect for corrosion on terminals, since standing periods often lead to sulphation. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a complete change if the service history is incomplete, as fluids degrade with time. Finally, confirm that the timing belt (or chain, depending on the engine variant) has been replaced within the recommended interval, and look for any signs of rust or corrosion on the chassis, suspension mounting points and under‑body panels, which can be more prevalent on vehicles that have spent extended periods idle.