2013 Chevrolet Spark 1.2L Petrol · WA13 OCW

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark presents a stable but imperfect maintenance picture as of its most recent MOT on 25 June 2025 at 43,715 miles. The vehicle passed that test, yet the tester flagged a recurring defect: the nearside rear seat belt webbing is slightly damaged or frayed. This same advisory has appeared in every test since October 2023, indicating a persistent, low-priority fault that previous owners have chosen not to rectify. While the seat belt still functions and the car remains roadworthy, the repeated nature of the advisory suggests a pattern of deferred minor repairs rather than proactive maintenance. The mileage profile tells a story of very light use. At roughly 3,363 miles per year over thirteen years, this Spark has covered less than half the national average. The record shows a gap of nearly two years between the October 2022 pass at 31,409 miles and the October 2023 test at 37,440 miles, during which the car accumulated just over 6,000 miles. From October 2023 to June 2025, the mileage rose from 37,440 to 43,715, adding approximately 6,275 miles in around twenty months. This is consistent with short, local journeys rather than sustained motorway driving, which can lead to increased moisture accumulation in the exhaust and oil, along with potential DPF issues on diesel variants, though the Spark is typically petrol-powered. Buyers should pay close attention to the nearside rear seat belt assembly, as the fraying webbing has been noted across three consecutive tests and represents a gradual deterioration rather than a one-off observation. The October 2023 failure for an unsecured bonnet catch is also worth verifying; a bonnet that opens at speed is a serious safety concern, and the repair should be confirmed as properly resolved rather than temporarily wedged shut. Both rear tyres were flagged in October 2023 for wear and perishing, so inspect the sidewalls carefully for age-related cracking, particularly if the tyres are original or have not been replaced since that advisory. The offside front flexi-hose was noted as insecurely mounted in September 2024, and while it passed, any exhaust or mounting component that has worked loose warrants a physical check for fatigue or heat damage. Finally, the slight discolouration on both side repeaters, noted in October 2023, is cosmetic and unlikely to affect function, but it hints at possible moisture ingress or aging lamp units. Given the low mileage and the pattern of minor, recurring advisories, this Spark appears to have been used gently but not always maintained with diligence. A thorough test drive focusing on brake feel, suspension compliance over rough surfaces, and a close visual inspection of the bonnet catch mechanism will reveal whether the underlying condition matches the modest mileage or conceals the neglect that the advisory history implies.