2009 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Diesel · OY09 UBM

A defining feature of this 2009 Vauxhall Corsa is the rear suspension, where coil spring corrosion has been flagged as far back as 2019 and culminated in a fractured offside rear spring being recorded as a Major failure at the same test. The vehicle was subsequently presented again on the same day and passed with no advisories, but the corrosion advisories on both rear springs reappeared at the 2024 test, suggesting the underlying corrosion issue has not been resolved and continues to progress. Beyond the suspension, the recent history shows a pass on 6 March 2024 with advisories relating to perishing on both rear tyres, a corroded rear silencer outer cover, and corrosion on both rear coil springs, confirming that the pattern of deterioration on the rear axle remains active. While no other structural or braking failures have appeared since the 2019 spring fracture, the recurrence of rear-corner advisories across consecutive tests points to a chronic localised wear issue rather than a one-off event. The recorded mileage of 75,969 over approximately 17 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,469 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record shows tests in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 with no obvious prolonged gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has remained largely in use throughout its life rather than being laid up for extended periods. Despite the low annual mileage, the recurring advisories on brake discs, tyres and suspension components indicate that age-related deterioration, particularly corrosion and rubber perishing, has been the dominant wear factor rather than high-mileage mechanical fatigue. A test drive should therefore be used to detect the symptoms of long-term standing and slow accumulation of road grime and moisture on exposed components, particularly underneath. When inspecting the vehicle in person, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension, as both coil springs have shown progressive corrosion and one has already fractured. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when loading the rear of the car with weight, and visually inspect the spring pans and lower coils for surface rust, flaking, or any visible cracks. The rear tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing given that both have been flagged in the most recent two tests, and the tread depth should be measured to confirm it remains above the legal 1.6mm limit across the full width. The exhaust rear silencer, noted as corroded on its outer cover, should be checked for any hissing under load, hanging lower than the bumper line, or audible blowing sounds that would indicate the corrosion has now perforated the inner box. The front braking system also warrants a careful inspection, as the front discs have been flagged for wear, pitting, and scoring in every MOT since 2021. On a test drive, feel for vibration or judder through the steering wheel and brake pedal during firm stops, listen for any grinding or scraping that would suggest pads running low against worn discs, and check whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking which could indicate a binding caliper. Given the fractured rear spring and the corroded rear silencer, the underside of the vehicle should be examined on a ramp for structural corrosion around the rear axle, spring seats, and exhaust mounting points, and the rear silencer should be physically manipulated to check it remains securely attached. With these known issues now five years into an unresolved pattern, prospective buyers should budget for the cost of replacing both rear coil springs, a rear exhaust section, and potentially the front brake discs and pads before the next MOT is due.