2015 Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L Petrol · ST64 YDA

A pattern of front suspension deterioration is the defining mechanical concern in this Corssa's record. The most recent test on 9 January 2026 recorded a pass, but it did so only after a previous failure on 3 December 2025, which was driven by an offside front fractured coil spring, excessively damaged track rod end dust covers on both sides, and an insufficient washer fluid supply. Two of those three major defects are chassis and steering items, and the fractured coil spring is not an isolated event: an identical offside front coil spring failure was recorded as a major defect in November 2021, approximately four years earlier. The January 2026 pass also carried advisories for corrosion on both front lower suspension arms and light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, both of which were first flagged at the December 2025 test. The recurrence of a fractured front coil spring within the recorded period, combined with the dual advisories for corroding front suspension arms and a shock absorber beginning to seep, suggests ongoing wear in the suspension and steering assemblies that warrants close physical inspection rather than assumption of roadworthiness from the current pass. Annual mileage is low for a vehicle of this age, with the recorded odometer standing at 46,192 miles against an age of approximately eleven years, yielding an average accumulation of around 4,200 miles per year. The MOT history shows tests in 2020, 2021, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, which is a consistent year-on-year pattern with no extended gaps in testing. This suggests the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up, although the low annual mileage means components such as brake discs, callipers, and the rear shock absorber seals may have seen less frictional cycling and more prolonged periods of standing between uses, which can contribute to surface corrosion on exposed braking surfaces and gradual drying or perishing of rubber boots and gaiters. The November 2022 test recorded advisories for slight cracking and perishing on the offside front and offside rear tyres, consistent with age-related rubber degradation rather than wear from high usage. Prospective buyers should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components that have featured repeatedly in this record. With two recorded fractures of the offside front coil spring in the same location, the near-side front coil spring should also be closely examined for signs of cracking at the lower coils, as coil springs frequently fail in matched positions when one side has weakened. Listen for clonking or metallic knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and check for excessive vertical bounce from the offside rear corner, which would indicate the misting shock absorber has progressed beyond a light seep. Inspect both front lower suspension arms for visible rust, paying particular attention to the inner mounting bushes, and check for perished or split track rod end dust covers, as the December 2025 failure noted excessive damage to both sides. On a test drive, expect any looseness in the steering to present as vague or wandering straight-line behaviour, and listen for suspension knocking that intensifies over rougher tarmac. The braking system has not featured in any advisories or failures across the recorded tests, but given the low annual mileage and the recurring front suspension and steering issues, the brake discs and calliper slide pins should be examined for seizure and corrosion, particularly on the offside rear where the shock absorber has been flagged. Examine the underbody and subframe mounting points for any corrosion that has progressed beyond the surface rust normally expected on an eleven year old vehicle, and check that the washer system is functioning correctly, as the December 2025 failure for insufficient washer fluid is a minor item but should be verified before purchase. Finally, confirm that the fractured coil spring and track rod end boots identified at the December 2025 failure were professionally rectified, as the subsequent January 2026 pass relied on those repairs and any subsequent knocks or steering irregularities on the test drive would indicate the work has not held.