2010 Chevrolet Spark 1.0L Petrol · SL10 UNU

This 2010 Chevrolet Spark presents a worsening maintenance trend, culminating in a severely compromised mechanical state during its most recent tests. The vehicle passed its MOT on 21 August 2025 at 82,927 miles, but only after failing twice earlier that same month. The August 2025 failures exposed severe structural and mechanical defects, including a fractured offside front coil spring, an exhaust emitting a major leak of gases, and a nearside front suspension arm corroded to the point of being seriously weakened. Passing the test just days after such extensive fail items indicates repairs were rushed to secure a certificate, leaving the underlying neglect largely unaddressed. The car covers roughly 5,183 miles annually, which is low for its age. Mileage accumulation remained consistent between the 2023 test at 73,197 miles and the 2024 test at 77,452 miles, averaging a steady 4,000 miles per year. The pace increased slightly heading into 2025, covering 5,475 miles in the year leading up to the August test at 82,927 miles. This low overall mileage suggests light use, yet the escalating failure rate contradicts the typical expectation of a gently driven car, pointing instead to prolonged periods of deferred upkeep. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the front suspension and braking systems. The nearside front suspension arm was flagged as seriously weakened by corrosion in August 2025, while both front arms suffer from worn bushes and progressive rust. The front brake calipers were cited for excessive binding during the same month, strongly suggesting seized sliders or binding calipers that will rapidly destroy the brake discs if not already damaged. Rear brake pipes have carried a corrosion advisory continuously since August 2023, meaning this critical fluid carrier has been left to deteriorate without intervention for three years. The exhaust and electrical systems demand close scrutiny. A major leak from the rear exhaust box caused a failure in August 2025, building on prior advisories for defective rear mountings dating back to August 2023. Multiple stop lamps, position lamps, and registration plate lamps failed simultaneously across the two August 2025 tests, reflecting a pattern of basic upkeep being entirely skipped. The offside rear tyre was worn to the legal limit in August 2025, and given the historical advisories for perishing and cracking on the rear tyres, a full replacement of all aged rubber is inevitable.