2013 Chevrolet Spark 1.2L Petrol · OU13 YOE

The vehicle remains roadworthy following its most recent MOT on 2026-05-13, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The failure just one day prior, at 89,294 miles, revealed multiple defects including corroded brake piping, oil-misted shock absorbers, ineffective windscreen wipers, and an inoperative engine MIL light — all of which were resolved for the subsequent pass. However, the recurrence of suspension and brake-related issues, alongside structural concerns like the bonnet retaining mechanism, signals a pattern of deferred or inconsistent maintenance rather than a stable condition. Mileage progression shows a steady annual average of around 6,869 miles over 13 years, which is within typical usage for its age. The gap between the 2024-06-10 pass at 84,860 miles and the 2025-09-04 failure at 85,112 miles is unusually short — just 252 miles — suggesting either a rapid wear cycle or a period of inactivity followed by sudden use. The 2026-05-12 failure occurred at 89,294 miles, just one mile before the pass, indicating that the vehicle was likely driven under marginal conditions immediately prior to the test, possibly to meet the MOT deadline. A buyer should inspect the front suspension components closely, particularly the nearside shock absorbers showing oil misting, as this often precedes complete failure. The corroded brake pipe on the offside front requires immediate attention, as corrosion can compromise hydraulic integrity and lead to sudden brake failure. The bonnet retaining mechanism, which failed in 2025, must be verified for structural integrity and secure operation — a failure here poses a serious safety risk. Additionally, the windscreen wipers and washer system should be tested for full functionality, as poor visibility is a critical safety issue. The inoperative engine MIL light should be diagnosed by a specialist, as it may indicate an underlying fault that could affect emissions or drivability.