2022 Cupra Born V3 EV Electricity · WR72 VLH

The CUPRA Born presents with a fully passed MOT history across the two recorded tests, the most recent being a pass on 22 May 2026 with a single advisory item, namely an offside rear nail in a tyre. This advisory is a minor, repairable puncture issue rather than a structural or mechanical defect, and its isolated nature suggests no broader trend of tyre neglect or suspension geometry misalignment. The earlier test dated 27 May 2025 was a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that the maintenance trajectory is broadly stable. The absence of any recurring advisories relating to brakes, suspension, steering, or corrosion points to a vehicle that has not yet developed the typical wear-related concerns often seen at this age, though the relatively short MOT record available limits the depth of trend analysis. With only 22,424 miles recorded over four years, the Born has averaged approximately 5,606 miles annually, which is notably low for a modern EV and suggests either predominantly urban short-hop use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage, while beneficial for component longevity, carries its own set of mechanical considerations, particularly regarding brake disc corrosion from infrequent use, possible tyre ageing and sidewall perishing due to calendar exposure rather than tread wear, and degradation of the 12V auxiliary battery which can lose capacity from prolonged standing. The single recorded MOT covers only a 12 month period, so there is a visible gap in formal testing between the registration year and 2025; buyers should verify that the vehicle has a complete DVSA test record and that any pre-2025 checks were conducted under warranty or service schedules rather than indicating evasion of testing. From a physical inspection standpoint, the low-mileage profile warrants careful attention to standing-related deterioration rather than high-wear component fatigue. The offside rear tyre should be inspected internally and externally for any repair patch integrity, sidewall cracking, or perishing consistent with age, and all four tyres should be examined for uneven wear patterns or corrosion staining on the wheels from brake dust accumulation. The brake discs, particularly at the rear, should be checked for surface corrosion and the calipers for signs of seizing or binding, which is common on EVs that rely heavily on regenerative braking and may suffer from infrequent mechanical brake application. The high-voltage battery state of health should be verified through the CUPRA infotainment system or a diagnostic tool, as calendar ageing affects lithium-ion cells regardless of cycle count, and the 12V auxiliary battery should be load-tested to confirm it is holding charge properly after potential extended standing periods. On a test drive, attention should be paid to any unusual noises from the suspension over bumps, which could indicate dry or perished bushes, and any pulling to one side under braking which might suggest a binding caliper rather than a pad or disc issue. The regenerative braking should be observed for consistent deceleration response, and the steering should feel precise without any clonks or vibration through the rack. Given the vehicle's age, brake fluid should be replaced on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, typically every two years, and the cooling system for the high-voltage battery should be inspected for any leaks or degradation of hoses and connections. Finally, verification of a complete service history from a CUPRA-authorised agent, including any software updates and high-voltage system inspections, will provide the strongest indicator of how this low-mileage EV has been maintained throughout its life.