1990 TALBOT EXPRESS2.0L Petrol

The Talbot Express passed its most recent MOT on 30 July 2025 at 60,158 miles, but the record shows a worsening maintenance trend. The July 2025 pass followed a failure one week earlier on 23 July 2025 at 60,086 miles for a split steering rack gaiter, non-working offside front indicator, and the same worn brake discs, corroded coil springs, and CV boot faults. Recurring corrosion and boot deterioration across four consecutive years indicate the previous keeper addressed only minimum test requirements rather than underlying decay. Recorded mileage rose from 56,391 in July 2023 to 57,453 in July 2024, then to 60,158 by July 2025. That equates to roughly 1,670 miles per year across the vehicle's 36-year life, confirming very light use with long standing periods. The 2,705-mile gain between July 2024 and July 2025 is the largest annual jump in the record, yet remains low for a commercial van of this era. Sparse early history limits judgement before 2023, though the 2023 pass showed only a minor exhaust gas leak and undersealed brake pipes. A buyer must inspect the front suspension closely. The tester flagged corroded coil springs both sides at every test from July 2024 onward, and slight play in the nearside track rod end persisted through July 2025. Front brake discs show pitting on inner faces both sides, while brake hose ferrules carry slight corrosion. These are consumable and mechanical wear items, not structural failure, but the constant reappearance signals deferred replacement. The offside front CV boot was severely deteriorated in July 2025 after splitting in July 2024; the nearside boot perished across the same period. An oil leak, not excessive, appeared at the July 2024 fail and remained at the 2025 tests. Verify the steering rack gaiter fitment, indicator operation, and check for fresh oil staining beneath the engine. Structural integrity beyond the spring corrosion is not flagged, though underseal likely masks older body condition.