Is this an MOT failure & how much to fix?

Advice2017

Thanks everyone for the really helpful advice.  He bought the car.  It seems to drive very well.  He took it to garage for a quick look over.  They confirmed the bumper issues won't be an MOT failure, just to tape up, which is what he'll do. They also took a look at the oil and fluids and say these don't need to be changed for now.

It was a bit of a rush due to needing the car urgently and not being able to travel far to look at one and budget too.  

Goudy - thanks so much for your link to a replacement part and advice here - he will consider this for the future.  Don't think the rust was in the body, so fingers crossed.  Totally agree, the second hand car market is crazy.  It's a small engine, tax economical car which I think increases demand and price/saleability!

Anyway, he's relieved to have got it in time and fingers crossed it will serve well as an economical runaround. It has had a new battery and he will do a few long journeys to charge that up.

Thanks again

jimjames

Advice2017 said:

Positives is a low mileage, it does seem to have service history and friend took it for test drive and says it seems to drive well. 

Thinking about getting a mechanic test, like AA, but this would be around £200 so maybe not worthwhile?

Low mileage isn't necessarily a positive - it could mean the car has only done short journeys and never properly warmed up plus lots more wear and tear on the clutch and brakes than a car that has spent its life on motorway. That's probably less likely for a smaller car though.