TOYOTA CARINA1987 · 1.6L PETROL

The 1987 Toyota Carina has a long history of recurring corrosion, suspension, and tyre-related issues, with the most recent MOT on 2009-11-19 showing a pass but highlighting offside front tyre wear and shock absorber damping problems. Earlier entries reveal consistent corrosion on body panels, including sharp edges from rust, and repeated suspension component failures, such as shock absorbers with reduced damping effect. Tyre tread depth and condition also appear to be persistent concerns, with multiple mentions of worn or below-limit tyres. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 186,642 miles over 39 years equates to roughly 4,786 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. This suggests either light use or extended periods of inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion and degrade rubber components like gaiters and tyres. While lower mileage might imply less mechanical wear on moving parts, the repeated corrosion issues indicate potential long-term exposure to moisture or poor storage conditions. The MOT history shows no clear trend of worsening issues, but the same faults reappear across multiple checks, such as shock absorber damping, corrosion, and tyre wear. This suggests unresolved underlying problems, possibly due to insufficient maintenance or exposure to harsh environments. The 2008-11-12 failure included serious brake hose damage and excessive suspension corrosion, while later entries highlight ongoing body and suspension degradation. The low mileage does not definitively indicate light use; it could also reflect periods of standing, which exacerbates rust and component decay.