2013 Chrysler Ypsilon 1.2L Petrol · SC13 YUD

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 December 2025 recorded a PASS, although five advisories were issued, indicating that the vehicle is fundamentally roadworthy yet carries several items meriting close attention. Reviewing the broader history, a clear pattern of accumulating chassis and corrosion-related advisories emerges, alongside occasional advisory items relating to steering play, oil leakage, and brake pipe surface corrosion. Although no outright failures have occurred since late 2022, the density of advisories at the most recent test suggests the maintenance trend is best described as stable but drifting, rather than actively improving. The 2022 dangerous tyre defect and fractured coil spring have been resolved, yet the persistence of sub-frame corrosion, brake hose ferrule corrosion, exhaust mounting deterioration, and repeated steering play advisories over consecutive tests points to age-related wear that is progressing in line with expectations for a vehicle of this age and mileage. At 84,854 miles over approximately 13 years, the Ypsilon averages around 6,500 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small city-oriented vehicle of this era. There is no evidence in the MOT record of any substantial gaps in mileage between tests, indicating consistent usage rather than long periods of standing. This is mechanically favourable, as regular running tends to keep lubricants circulated, prevent severe standing corrosion on brake discs and calipers, and maintain 12V battery health. However, even at average annual mileage, the cumulative wear on suspension components, exhaust system, and underbody metalwork is now becoming evident in the advisories, particularly with respect to sub-frame and brake pipe corrosion. Given the age, attention should also be paid to time-based degradation items such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid condition, alongside the general condition of rubber components such as timing belts and engine mounts, which the MOT history does not directly cover. The recurring advisory regarding steering play across the 2023, 2024, and 2024 retest warrants particular attention. On a test drive, the buyer should listen and feel for clonks over uneven surfaces, vagueness or slackness around the straight-ahead position, and any inconsistent self-centring behaviour, all of which could point to worn tie bar or track rod end bushes. The offside front strut corrosion noted in 2024, together with the nearside front shock absorber leak advised in 2023, suggests the front suspension is approaching the point at which replacement is sensible; symptoms include a lack of damping control over bumps, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, and a typically harsh or floaty ride. The persistent oil leak advisories since 2023, although described as not excessive, should be monitored for progression, as a steady seep can mask underlying issues with cam cover or sump gasket integrity. The fractured nearside front coil spring replaced in 2022 is a historical item, but the buyer should nevertheless inspect for uneven ride height or clunks over speed humps, which would suggest the offside front spring may be similarly fatigued. The underbody corrosion pattern is a defining feature of this vehicle's MOT record and is the single most important area for a prospective buyer to examine. Both front and rear sub-frames have been recorded as corroded without being seriously weakened, and brake hose ferrules to the rear have shown slight corrosion; left unattended, these conditions will progress, potentially affecting structural integrity and braking safety. A physical inspection on a ramp or over a pit is strongly advised, with particular attention to sub-frame mounting points, brake pipe unions, and exhaust hangers, noting that an exhaust clamp failure has been advised twice. Brake pipe corrosion near the nearside front was advised in 2024, and the buyer should listen for any fluid sounds under braking and verify firm pedal feel without excessive travel. Tyres should be inspected closely for age-related sidewall cracking regardless of tread depth, as the 2024 dangerous tyre separation highlights the importance of structural integrity. Finally, despite the relatively low annual mileage, the age of the vehicle means the buyer should request evidence of recent replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and ideally the cambelt if chain-driven equivalents are not fitted, as calendar-aged fluids and belts remain leading causes of mechanical failure on vehicles of this vintage.