1997 Rover MG 3.9L Petrol · P197 FTT

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 22 May 2026 at 45,923 miles resulted in a pass with no defects, indicating a stable or improving maintenance trend following earlier issues. In the 24 May 2023 test, the offside front play in the steering rack inner joint was noted, and in the 28 March 2022 test, both exhaust gas leaks and play in the steering rack mechanism were recorded. These faults have not recurred in the subsequent two passes, suggesting the underlying issues have been addressed or are not progressing. The recorded mileage of 45,923 miles over approximately 29 years equates to an average of 1,584 miles per year, which is notably low for the vehicle’s age. Mileage progression from 43,877 miles in April 2021 to 45,923 miles in May 2026 reflects an increase of roughly 2,046 miles over five years, consistent with light usage. A notable gap exists between the 2018 and 2019 tests, during which the vehicle failed its MOT on 6 April 2018 due to a non-functioning offside headlamp on main beam and incorrect tyre size on the rear axle. The following test in April 2019 recorded perishing tyres across all four wheels, indicating potential lapses in basic upkeep during that period. Prospective buyers should closely inspect the steering system, particularly the rack mechanism, given the historical play reported in 2022 and 2023. The exhaust system warrants attention due to past leaks, and the tyres, which showed signs of cracking and perishing in 2019 and 2021, may require replacement depending on current condition. The 2018 failure due to incorrect tyre size raises questions about past maintenance standards, so verifying wheel alignment and current tyre specifications is advisable. Given the vehicle’s age, structural integrity and corrosion should be assessed, particularly around the chassis and suspension mounting points. Additionally, the braking system, including discs, pads, and calipers, should be evaluated for wear or binding, especially since earlier tests did not flag brake-related issues but component degradation is expected over time.