2012 Chrysler Ypsilon 1.2L Petrol · SB62 HHG

A pattern of age‑related wear and corrosion dominates the MOT history, with recurring advisories for rear coil‑spring corrosion, front steering‑rack inner‑joint play and a persistent oil‑leak note appearing in almost every test since 2021. Although the most recent January 2026 test was passed, it still recorded a minor windscreen chip, an inoperative off‑side registration‑plate lamp and a tyre mounted the wrong way round, underscoring that the vehicle’s condition is being managed but not yet free of lingering defects. The earlier major failures – a ball‑joint excess wear on the nearside front suspension in 2020 and a non‑functioning off‑side rear stop lamp in 2025 – suggest that critical wear items have surfaced, yet no further major failures have been recorded in the last two years, indicating a modestly stabilising trend provided the underlying issues are addressed. With 83,279 mi recorded over fourteen years the average annual accumulation is roughly 5,950 mi, well below the typical UK usage rate. Such low mileage can be indicative of light duty or periods of inactivity, which often exacerbate corrosion on steel components such as the rear coil springs and can allow oil leaks to become more apparent as seals age. The relatively static mileage trajectory means that consumables like tyres and brakes have not been subjected to high wear cycles, yet the MOT notes show tyre edges approaching legal limits and front brake discs already flagged as worn, reflecting age‑related degradation rather than mileage‑driven exhaustion. When inspecting the vehicle, focus on the rear suspension: listen for metallic creaks or rattles over bumps and feel for uneven bounce, which may betray advanced coil‑spring corrosion or failing mounting points. The front steering rack should be checked for any play or binding when the wheel is rocked at the hands‑on position; excessive looseness could be a continuation of the inner‑joint play previously noted. Verify that the oil‑leak advisory is not a current drip by looking beneath the engine for fresh oil stains, especially around the valve‑cover gasket and oil pan, and confirm that any leak does not affect the sump level. Examine all tyres for correct mounting orientation, uniform tread depth and sidewall integrity, and ensure they hold the recommended pressure – the off‑side rear tyre was previously mounted backwards and the off‑side front tyre was under‑inflated, both of which can affect handling and wear. Finally, test the lighting and visibility systems: confirm that the off‑side rear stop lamp illuminates correctly and that both registration‑plate lamps function, as these were recent failure points. Operate the windscreen wipers to ensure they clear the glass effectively, addressing the 2020 wiper deficiency. During a short road test, note any steering pull, vibration through the pedals, or unusual noises from the brakes, which could indicate the front brake disc wear or emerging suspension issues. Addressing the identified corrosion, oil leak source and tyre mounting errors before purchase will reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures in the near term.