2008 Daihatsu Sirion 1.3L Petrol · VO58 BVM

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 19 August 2025 at 68,774 miles, but the immediate prior test the day before had failed on critical structural and suspension defects that were resolved in time for the pass. This indicates a reactive, last-minute repair approach rather than consistent maintenance. The trend is not improving—it is stabilising only because the most serious issues were addressed just before the latest test, not because the underlying condition has improved. The recorded mileage of 68,774 over 18 years equates to an average of 3,821 miles annually, which is low and suggests limited use. However, the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests shows a 1,980-mile increase in just one year, followed by a 3,642-mile jump between 2024 and 2025. This sudden acceleration in mileage after a period of inactivity raises concerns about how the car was used—possibly for short, frequent trips that don’t allow full engine warm-up, or prolonged standing followed by heavy use, both of which accelerate wear on seals, fluids, and corrosion-prone components. A buyer must inspect the front suspension thoroughly, particularly the lower arms and ball joints, which have been flagged repeatedly since 2024, including a failed test due to excessive wear on the offside front ball joint. The nearside front suspension bush has been an advisory since 2024 and became a minor fault in 2025, suggesting progressive degradation. The rear tyres show signs of perishing on both sides, indicating age-related rubber decay regardless of tread depth. Most critically, the inner and outer sill corrosion on the offside front has been cited in three consecutive tests, with the 2025 failure explicitly noting serious structural weakening within 30cm of a body mounting point. This is not surface rust—it is structural degradation that compromises crashworthiness and must be assessed by a qualified panel beater. The persistent oil leak, while not excessive, and the defective wiper blade are minor concerns compared to the corrosion and suspension wear. The car is currently road legal, but its long-term viability hinges entirely on the extent of the structural repair done after the August 2025 failure.