2010 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · RV60 OPG

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2026-05-01, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. Two consecutive failures on the same day, followed by a prior failure in 2025, indicate a pattern of unresolved issues rather than a resolved or improving condition. The same faults — corroded brake pipes, binding rear brakes, worn strut bushes, and headlamp lens defects — have recurred across multiple tests, suggesting either persistent neglect or a systemic design flaw in the vehicle’s components. The fact that the same items failed repeatedly, even after passing in earlier tests, points to a lack of corrective action between inspections. Mileage progression shows a steady, low annual average of around 4,400 miles over 16 years, which is consistent with light use. The jump from 68,477 miles in September 2024 to 69,177 miles in May 2025 represents just 700 miles over eight months, and then to 70,338 miles by May 2026 — a gain of 1,161 miles over 12 months. This suggests the vehicle has not been driven heavily, which may explain why some wear items like tyres or wiper blades are not mentioned — they may simply not have reached failure point. However, the low mileage does not negate the mechanical concerns; corrosion and binding brakes are not mileage-dependent but rather age- and environment-driven. Buyers should inspect the front sub-frame and suspension bushes closely, as these have been flagged multiple times and show signs of deterioration without being classified as structurally unsafe. The corroded brake pipes and binding rear brakes — particularly the recurring offside issues — demand immediate attention, as they compromise braking efficiency and safety. The exhaust system, already noted for corrosion and a major leak in 2025, should be evaluated for structural integrity and emissions compliance. Headlamp lenses, while minor, are a recurring advisory and should be replaced to ensure proper illumination and legal compliance. The windscreen wiper failure in the 2026 test is a simple fix, but it signals a broader pattern of deferred maintenance that may extend to other systems.