DODGE (USA) 1987 · 5.0L PETROL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026 at 24,291 miles, this followed a significant failure in June 2025 that highlighted multiple mechanical and electrical defects. The trend shows a stabilizing state where major issues like steering column movement and brake binding were addressed, yet the recurring presence of discoloured indicators and minor steering play suggests the vehicle is only serviced when necessary to pass annual inspections. At 39 years old, the recorded mileage of 24,291 miles is exceptionally low, averaging only about 623 miles per year. This low usage pattern suggests the car has been stored for long periods, which often explains the specific types of failures seen in rubber components and hydraulic parts. Between June 2023 and April 2026, the vehicle covered only 1,497 miles, confirming it as a low-use collector that suffers from age-related degradation rather than mechanical wear from a high-mileage vehicle. A buyer must pay close attention to the braking system and steering assembly during a physical inspection. The 2025 failure noted binding on both the nearside front and nearside rear service brakes, alongside an axle imbalance, indicates potentially seized calipers or corroded cylinders due to inactivity. The slight movement in the lower steering column reported in 2025 and the subsequent steering play noted in 2026 suggest that the steering rack or universal joints require a thorough check for excessive play that could compromise structural integrity. The central oil leak identified in 2023 should be monitored to ensure it has not worsened into a more significant leak. Given the corroded battery tray mentioned in 2025, the underbody and mounting points should be inspected for surface rust, which often accumulates on low-mileage vehicles that sit stationary. While the windscreen wipers and jets were simple consumable failures, the mechanical faults in the exhaust and steering remain the primary areas of concern for a vehicle of this vintage.