2012 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · LP12 GZO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass in February 2026 at 74,034 miles, but the recent mechanical history shows a worsening trend regarding the suspension and lighting systems. The failure on February 14, 2026, revealed multiple high-priority defects, including a fractured nearside front coil spring and a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber. While these were rectified to pass the test one week later, the progression from light oil misting to total failure suggests a reactive than preventative maintenance approach. At 14 years old, the recorded 74,034 miles represent a low average usage of approximately 5,288 miles per year. The data shows a significant gap of 8,000 miles between February 2024 and March 2025, followed by another 7,600 miles in the final year. This low mileage pattern often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals, which explains the recurring oil leaks noted in the 2025 test and the eventual failure of the shocks. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension geometry to ensure the recent repairs to the shock absorbers and coil springs have properly aligned the vehicle. The tester flagged incorrect headlamp aim in the February 2026 failure, which often indicates previous impact or loose mounting hardware that should be checked for stability. Furthermore, the persistent oil leak mentioned in 2025 warrants a close look at the engine bay to determine if the source is a minor gasket weeping or a more significant seal failure. Attention should be paid to the worn bushes previously identified in 2024 to ensure they have not deteriorated further into uneven tyre wear.