1989 TALBOT EXPRESS1.8L Petrol

The 1989 Talbot Express shows a consistent pattern of age-related degradation despite its low annual mileage. In the most recent test on 3 June 2025 at 113,526 miles, the vehicle passed after an initial failure for a defective nearside front position lamp. The record reveals a persistent history of advisories related to corrosion across the chassis and suspension mounting points. While many of these issues were deemed not considered excessive by the tester, the presence of rust on seat belt anchorages and suspension mounting areas suggests the vehicle is reaching a stage where structural monitoring is critical. The vehicle has covered 113,526 miles over 37 years, averaging approximately 3,000 miles per year. This low usage frequency often correlates with long periods of standing, which is supported by the perishing of the nearside rear tyre noted in 2025. There is a significant two-year gap between the 2022 and 2024 tests, during which the vehicle saw infrequent use. The application of wax oil noted in 2022 and 2024 indicates an attempt to protect the underbody, yet this has not halted the ongoing corrosion of brake pipes and hoses. Brake system issues are a recurring theme for this vehicle. The tester failed in November 2022 due to excessively binding and fluctuating front brakes, an axle imbalance, and a major exhaust leak. By June 2025, the tester flagged a binding nearside rear brake and slight play in both rear wheel bearings. Furthermore, multiple brake pipes and hoses show corrosion or are covered in grease, which can mask further decay. A buyer should thoroughly inspect the integrity of the brake lines and the strength of the seat belt mounting points to ensure the corrosion has not progressed beyond the surface level described in the MOT history.