2010 Chevrolet Matiz 1.0L Petrol · LO59 WWH

The 2010 Chevrolet Matiz presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 14 May 2026 at 79,123 miles, passed, but the tester flagged four advisories. Both steering rack gaiters are damaged or deteriorated, though currently preventing dirt ingress. Both front upper shock absorber bushes are slightly worn, and the nearside rear wheel bearing is slightly noisy. Comparing this to the 2025 test at 77,354 miles, which only flagged the same nearside rear wheel bearing noise, the number of advisories has increased. This suggests a gradual accumulation of minor wear items rather than a sudden mechanical failure. The maintenance trend is stable but shows a typical pattern of aging components requiring closer monitoring. The mileage profile is notably low for a 16-year-old vehicle. Recorded at 79,123 miles, this equates to roughly 4,945 miles per year. The annual test records show consistent, gradual accumulation: 73,036 miles in May 2023, 75,263 miles in May 2024, 77,354 miles in May 2025, and 79,123 miles in May 2026. This indicates approximately 2,000 miles added annually in recent years. Such low usage can mean less mechanical wear but also raises the possibility of prolonged standing periods, which can cause flat-spotted tyres, seized brakes, and dried-out rubber components like the gaiters now appearing on the record. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering. The repeated appearance of worn shock absorber bushes across both sides suggests the front dampers and their mounting points need close examination for play or deterioration. The steering rack gaiters have been flagged in three of the last four tests. Although the tester notes they are currently preventing dirt ingress, any split or perished gaiter will allow moisture and grit into the rack, leading to expensive steering failure. Check the gaiters thoroughly for cracks, oil saturation, or clips that may have been disturbed. The nearside rear wheel bearing noise has persisted across two consecutive tests, in May 2025 and May 2026. A noisy bearing that has been present for over a year and 1,769 miles is likely worsening. Have the rear hub checked for roughness or excessive play. The 2024 failure for a nearside rear tyre below 1.6mm tread depth, followed by a 2023 advisory for a worn nearside front tyre, indicates tyre condition has been borderline at times. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and age-related cracking, as a 2010 vehicle may be running on rubber that is past its safe service life regardless of remaining tread.