2009 Vauxhall Corsa 1.4L Petrol · YB09 OVZ

The Vauxhall Corsa’s MOT history presents a striking anomaly: two consecutive tests in September 2025—one passed, the other failed—both at identical mileages (91,541 and 91,543 miles), with no recorded defects either time. This suggests either a clerical error or an unusually strict tester, as the vehicle appears to have met all roadworthiness criteria without advisories or failures over the past three years. The trend is stable, with no signs of worsening mechanical issues, but the lack of advisories or even minor defects is unusual for a 17-year-old vehicle, particularly one with such low annual mileage. The most recent test, just ten months ago, confirms the car’s current compliance with DVSA standards, though the absence of any recorded wear items raises questions about either meticulous maintenance or potential underreporting. The Corsa’s mileage accumulation—5,385 miles per year—is exceptionally low for its age, indicating either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. Between September 2022 and September 2025, the mileage increased by just 26,039 miles over three years, a rate that would typically result in minimal wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components. The gap between the 2024 (84,414 miles) and 2025 tests (91,543 miles) covers only 7,129 miles in a year, further reinforcing this pattern. Such low mileage reduces the likelihood of high-mileage issues like worn suspension bushes, degraded coil springs, or excessive brake pad wear, but it also means the vehicle may not have been driven enough to reveal latent problems like seized bearings, leaking seals, or corrosion in hidden areas. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should still prioritise a thorough inspection of components that often escape tester scrutiny at low mileages. Pay close attention to the suspension—check for worn or perished bushes, degraded coil springs, and any signs of binding in the steering or suspension linkages. The braking system should be tested for uneven wear on discs or pads, as well as any signs of binding calipers or seized components, which can occur even with minimal use if fluids were neglected. Structural integrity is another critical area; inspect for surface rust around wheel arches, sills, and underseal, as well as any signs of corrosion in the wheel wells or exhaust mounts, which may not have been fully assessed in the MOT. Finally, verify fluid levels—brake, coolant, and power steering—since low-mileage vehicles can still suffer from degraded fluids if not regularly serviced. The absence of advisories in the MOT history does not guarantee these areas are flawless, particularly in a car this age.