2011 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · SA61 LCU

The Chevrolet Spark in question presents a stable but irregular roadworthiness record, with the most recent MOT—conducted on 16 July 2025 at 102,725 miles —passing without defects. The preceding test, just five days earlier on 11 July 2025 , also at the same mileage, had failed, yet no specific issues were logged in either outcome. This suggests the failure may have been administrative or procedural rather than mechanical, given the lack of recorded defects. The pattern of passing and failing tests without documented faults is unusual and raises questions about the consistency of the testing process. Prior to this, the vehicle passed cleanly on 27 June 2023 at 84,802 miles , indicating a gap of over two years without a test—well beyond the annual requirement. While the absence of defects in the passed tests is positive, the repeated failures without explanation demand further scrutiny before purchase. The mileage accumulation of 102,725 miles over 15 years aligns with the average for its age, averaging roughly 6,848 miles per year , which is neither excessively high nor low. However, the two-year gap between the 2023 and 2024 MOTs —from 84,802 miles (June 2023) to 94,030 miles (June 2024) —implies the vehicle was not tested annually, as legally required. The mileage increase of 9,228 miles in that period suggests the car was still in use, though the lack of testing raises concerns about compliance with UK roadworthiness regulations. The most recent 8,693-mile jump between June 2024 and July 2025 further indicates active use, yet the absence of defects in passed tests does little to address the broader question of whether routine maintenance—such as brake fluid checks, suspension inspections, or exhaust emissions—has been consistently performed. Given the lack of documented defects, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components prone to long-term wear or neglect, particularly those not covered by the MOT. The suspension system , including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, should be checked for signs of fatigue or corrosion, especially if the vehicle has spent time in damp conditions. Brake components —discs, pads, and calipers—must be assessed for uneven wear or binding, as the MOT history provides no evidence of recent brake system evaluation. Structural integrity is another critical area; the absence of corrosion advisories in the MOT record does not guarantee its absence, so wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels should be examined for rust penetration. Additionally, the exhaust system and emissions controls warrant close attention, as these are not always thoroughly inspected unless visibly damaged or leaking. The clean MOT history, while reassuring, does not replace a hands-on assessment of these high-wear areas.