2013 Chevrolet Trax 1.6L Petrol · LL63 NLO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 12 January 2026, was passed but flagged an advisory that the nearside front tyre is worn close to the legal limit and shows edge wear. Over the preceding five years the vehicle has moved from a major failure for a front exhaust leak in 2021 and a major failure for excessive wear of the nearside front MacPherson strut top bush in early 2025 to a series of passes with only tyre‑wear advisories and minor items such as wiper‑blade wear. This progression indicates that the principal mechanical faults identified in earlier tests have been addressed and that the current maintenance trend is stabilising, although tyre condition now requires imminent attention. With a recorded 40 050 miles on a 2013 model, the average annual mileage is roughly 3 080 mi, considerably below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage. The limited wear on drivetrain components is a positive sign, yet the vehicle’s age means that rubber, seals and battery elements may have deteriorated despite the modest distance covered. Any gaps in the mileage record should be corroborated with service stamps or receipts to confirm that the odometer reading reflects genuine use rather than prolonged inactivity. Prospective buyers should focus on the items that have recurred in the MOT history. Verify that the nearside front MacPherson strut and its top bush have been replaced or rebuilt; during a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when navigating bumps or making steering inputs, and inspect the strut for any oil seepage. The front exhaust flexi pipe, which failed in 2021, should be examined for cracks, soot deposits or audible ticking at idle and under acceleration, and the exhaust system should be checked for any signs of carbon buildup that could indicate a lingering leak. Although the brake‑pad advisories from 2021 referred to thin rear pads, the current condition should be confirmed by measuring pad thickness and inspecting the discs for scoring or rust; any pulsation or shudder when applying the rear brakes would suggest that the pads have not been refreshed. The oil‑leak advisory also warrants a visual inspection of the valve cover gasket and oil filter area for fresh drips, and the oil level should be checked to ensure it remains within the correct range. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, additional time‑related checks are prudent. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear patterns that may have developed while the car was stationary; the nearside front tyre will likely need replacement soon, and the offside front tyre should be measured for tread depth as it also approached the legal limit in 2023. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and consider a load test, as batteries left idle for extended periods can lose capacity. Look under the chassis for any signs of surface rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and verify that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended service intervals, as fluids degrade with time even when the vehicle is not driven. A thorough visual and auditory inspection, coupled with a short road test that includes gentle braking, cornering and a brief acceleration, will reveal whether the vehicle’s mechanical condition aligns with the relatively low mileage and the recent MOT pass.