2010 Chevrolet Spark 1.2L Petrol · LM10 KHB

The 2010 Chevrolet Spark currently holds a valid MOT issued on 27 November 2025 at 84,359 miles, but the maintenance trend is not reassuring. The most recent test required a first-time failure that same day for non-functional rear stop and fog lamps, alongside a persistent advisory for corroded brake pipes and worn front suspension arm rear bushes. These same two advisories have appeared consistently since at least August 2024, meaning the corrosion and suspension wear have been carried forward for over a year without rectification. The tester flagged the brake pipe corrosion as covered in grease or other material, suggesting the pipes may have been coated rather than properly replaced, a short-term cosmetic measure that masks an underlying structural integrity concern. While the vehicle passed on the second attempt after the lighting faults were addressed, the recurring nature of the advisories points to a pattern of minimal cosmetic compliance rather than proactive mechanical upkeep. The mileage profile raises its own questions. At roughly 16 years old with 84,359 miles recorded, the Spark has averaged approximately 5,272 miles per year, well below the typical UK annual figure. Yet the MOT history shows an unusual anomaly: the August 2025 test recorded 85,707 miles, which is 1,348 miles higher than the November 2025 test at 84,359 miles. Mileage should not decrease between tests, so either a data entry error occurred on one certificate, or the odometer was interfered with. Between August 2024 at 77,242 miles and August 2025 at 85,707 miles, the vehicle covered 8,465 miles in twelve months, a notable acceleration compared to its long-term average. Buyers should verify the true mileage against service records, a VIN check, and physical wear on the driver's seat, steering wheel, and pedal rubbers to confirm consistency. The 2024 failure exposed more serious mechanical concerns that were either repaired or masked before the 2025 tests. Both rear wheel bearings were flagged as rough, the nearside rear service brake was excessively binding, the parking brake fell below minimum efficiency thresholds, and rear brake imbalance was recorded across the axle. The nearside front anti-roll bar linkage bush was also excessively worn. These are not minor consumable items. Binding calipers and rough wheel bearings generate heat, accelerate tyre wear, and compromise braking stability. The fact that none of these items appeared as failures or advisories in 2025 suggests they may have been replaced, though no supporting documentation is visible in the MOT record alone. A buyer should have the rear brakes and wheel bearings inspected on a lift, checking for heat discolouration on the discs and play in the hub assemblies. The persistent brake pipe corrosion advisory is the most structurally significant finding. Corroded brake pipes represent a direct risk to hydraulic braking integrity, and the fact that the tester noted grease or coating on them across multiple tests indicates the issue has been known and cosmetically concealed rather than resolved. Combined with the worn front suspension bushes still flagged in November 2025, the vehicle presents a picture of deferred maintenance on safety-critical systems. A pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough underside examination of all rigid and flexible brake lines, a suspension bush compliance check, and a brake fluid pressure test to confirm system integrity before any commitment is made.