2012 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · LT12 FNV

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-03-03, but the maintenance trend is worsening. Corrosion in brake pipes has persisted and escalated from “covered in grease or material” to “excessively corroded” across multiple tests, indicating a failure to address a systemic issue. Suspension bushes and tyre wear have also reappeared in successive tests, suggesting ongoing neglect of wear items despite passing status. The 2025-03-11 failure, which included two tyres at legal limit and corroded brake pipes, was not resolved before the next test, and the 2026-03-03 test still flagged the same corrosion and suspension wear — a clear sign of deferred maintenance. Mileage progression shows a steady climb from 40,955 miles in 2023 to 50,160 miles in 2026, averaging roughly 3,000 miles per year — low for a 14-year-old vehicle. This suggests the car has been lightly used, possibly stored for periods, which can accelerate corrosion and degrade rubber components. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests is minimal, but the 2025-03-11 failure occurred at the same mileage as the prior pass, indicating that the vehicle’s condition deteriorated without being repaired. No sudden spikes in mileage are evident, but the lack of consistent upkeep is more concerning than the rate of usage. Buyers should inspect the brake system closely, particularly the front brake pipes for structural integrity and corrosion depth, as these have failed repeatedly and may be compromised. Suspension bushes, especially on the nearside and offside front lower arms, require physical examination for wear or play, as these were flagged in three consecutive tests. Tyre tread depth must be verified on all four wheels — the nearside and offside fronts were at legal limit in 2023 and 2025, and the 2026 test did not mention replacement. Exhaust corrosion, particularly at the flexible joint, should be assessed for perforation or structural weakness. Seat belt webbing, while not a safety-critical failure, indicates a pattern of ignoring minor wear items, which may extend to other interior or safety components. The vehicle’s mechanical condition reflects a history of deferred repairs rather than proactive maintenance. While it passed the latest test, the recurrence of the same faults suggests the owner has not addressed underlying issues. A buyer should treat this as a project car requiring immediate inspection of the brake lines, suspension, and tyres, and budget for potential corrosion-related repairs. The low mileage is misleading — it masks the effects of environmental exposure and lack of servicing.