1997 Daihatsu Move 0.8L Petrol · R254 MGJ

A pattern of progressively worsening coil spring corrosion is the defining mechanical concern on this 1997 Daihatsu Move, with the most recent MOT on 17 October 2024 recording advisories on all four springs individually, a step up from the 2023 tests which only flagged the front pair. This trend suggests surface oxidation is steadily advancing on the suspension units, and although the vehicle has continued to pass its annual assessments, the corrosion is now present at every corner. The same two test cycles have also carried an advisory for a non-excessive oil leak, indicating a persistent but minor seepage that has not yet developed into a failure item. The one significant failure, recorded on 28 October 2023, was unrelated to the suspension or oil leak pattern and centred on a stop lamp defect classified as dangerous, a non-functional windscreen washer, and deteriorated CV joint boots on both front drive shafts, all of which were presumably rectified before the subsequent pass. With 53,592 miles recorded over approximately 29 years, this Move has covered only around 1,848 miles annually, an unusually modest accumulation for a vehicle of this vintage. There is a visible gap between the 2022 test and the 2023 tests, but the odometer readings themselves are not supplied in the MOT history provided, so any mileage progression across that interval cannot be precisely determined. Low annual mileage of this nature generally means reduced wear on friction components such as brake pads, discs, and clutch material, but it can also mask deterioration caused by standing periods, particularly corrosion on exposed metal items like the coil springs flagged on this car, along with potential hardening or cracking of rubber bushes, ageing of flexible coolant and brake hoses, and degradation of internal engine seals, which is consistent with the recurring oil leak advisory. The lack of recorded mileage from the older 2022 test onward makes it difficult to confirm whether the car has been used consistently or has experienced intermittent lay-up periods during that window. A prospective buyer should treat the four-spring corrosion advisory as the primary inspection focus. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front and rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, as corroded springs can fracture and the broken section will typically produce an audible rattle or thump, particularly over speed humps and rougher tarmac. The vehicle should also be observed at rest on level ground to check for uneven ride height, which would indicate a collapsed spring. The persistent seepage noted since 2023 warrants a close look underneath for fresh oil residue on the engine block, sump, and surrounding components, and any signs of drips on the driveway should be questioned regarding their source and whether the leak rate is increasing. Given the age of the vehicle, brake pipes, fuel lines, and subframe mounting points should be visually examined for advanced corrosion, even though they have not yet appeared as advisories, as these items commonly deteriorate on cars of this era, particularly those with low usage. The earlier failure items are also worth verifying remain fully resolved. Both front drive shaft CV boots were flagged as severely deteriorated in October 2023, and replacement boots should be confirmed, with a road test carried out to detect any clicking or popping noises from the front hubs during full-lock turns, which would indicate torn boots allowing grease loss and joint contamination. The brake light circuit should be independently checked by an observer, as the dangerous failure recorded in 2023 indicates a history of electrical issues in that area, and the washer system should be confirmed operational, including confirmation that the fluid level is adequate and that the pump delivers a clear spray to the windscreen. Beyond these specific items, a general service history covering cambelt or timing chain replacement, coolant renewal, and fuel system attention would be highly advisable given the vehicle's age, as these maintenance items fall well outside the scope of MOT testing but are critical to the long-term reliability of a car approaching three decades in use.