2013 Chevrolet Trax 1.7L Diesel · LL63 CUY

The most recent MOT test on the 2013 Chevrolet Trax occurred on 2026-01-23, where the vehicle passed with two advisories and a minor defect. While the record shows a single failure in 2025, the preceding MOTs from 2024 to 2026 have been clean or contained only minor or low-severity advisories, suggesting a stable maintenance trend rather than a deterioration. The failure in 2025 was primarily related to lighting and braking, with the headlamps requiring adjustment and the front brake pads being dangerously thin, which is a critical issue that should not have been overlooked. The absence of further failures since then indicates either corrective action was taken or the underlying issues were not repeated, but the buyer should remain vigilant, particularly regarding brake wear and suspension integrity. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 114,018 miles at the time of this assessment aligns with its age—approximately 13 years old—indicating an average annual mileage of around 8,771 miles, which is typical for a car of this class in the UK. The mileage data does not suggest unusually heavy usage, though the presence of multiple tyre wear advisories over several MOTs suggests some lateral or directional driving habits may have contributed to uneven tyre wear patterns. The gaps between MOTs, particularly the two-year interval from 2021 to 2023, could imply periods of reduced use, which might have allowed certain components to degrade more slowly, but it also highlights the importance of regular servicing to mitigate wear from standing or infrequent operation, such as corrosion in brake systems or fluid degradation in hydraulic components. Given the recent MOT findings and the recurring advisories, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system, focusing on the front and rear brake pads, discs, and calipers. The nearside rear brake pads being worn thin and the front coil spring showing a fractured condition indicate that the suspension and braking components are experiencing significant wear. During a test drive, listen for uneven brake pedal response, particularly on the near-side rear, which may suggest uneven pad wear or binding calipers. Also, check for excessive play or clunking noises from the suspension arms, especially the offside front lower arm, as the ball joint play and deteriorated dust cover suggest potential instability. Impending maintenance should include replacing the front coil spring and addressing the brake pads and discs, with the latter potentially requiring resurfacing or replacement if pitting or scoring is severe. Additionally, verify the headlamp alignment and beam projection to ensure compliance with legal standards, as the 2025 failure highlighted the importance of this aspect. For the buyer’s physical inspection, examine the tyres closely for signs of sidewall cracking or perishing, which is more likely with age than mileage, particularly given the advisories from previous MOTs. Inspect the front and rear tyres for uneven wear patterns, which may indicate alignment issues or suspension misalignment, and check for any visible damage or cracks in the tread. The near-side rear tyre showing slight cracking or perishing should be monitored, as this could indicate exposure to road debris or environmental factors over time. Check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections, as a 13-year-old vehicle may have a degraded 12V battery, and test the starting and charging systems to ensure reliability. Finally, since the vehicle has not undergone a full service in recent years, consider verifying the service book for any scheduled fluid changes, such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, which degrade over time even without mileage accumulation. Addressing these items promptly will help prevent further wear and maintain the vehicle’s roadworthiness and performance.