2004 Daihatsu Terios 1.3L Petrol · WG54 JKY

The most recent MOT inspection on 09 June 2026 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, which suggests a positive trend in immediate roadworthiness following a more problematic period in 2023 and 2025. While the 2023 failure involving a major exhaust leak and lighting issues was successfully rectified, the 2025 test highlighted several developing mechanical concerns. The transition from a clean pass in 2024 to multiple advisories in 2025 indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where wear and tear on suspension and drivetrain components is becoming more evident. Although the latest pass is encouraging, the history of recurring advisories regarding suspension bushes and bearings suggests that while the vehicle is currently legal, it is approaching a period where significant maintenance on the chassis and running gear will be required to maintain safety standards. With a recorded mileage of 106,188 over approximately 22 years, this Daihatsu Terios has averaged roughly 4,827 miles per year. This is considered low annual mileage, which often implies less mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox compared to high-mileage counterparts. However, such low usage can be a double-edged sword, as vehicles that spend long periods stationary are susceptible to different types of degradation. Specifically, low usage can lead to the drying out of rubber components, such as the CV boots and suspension bushes mentioned in the MOT history, and can cause fluid stagnation or moisture buildup within the braking and cooling systems. The low mileage does not exempt the vehicle from age-related deterioration, and the history of low coolant levels suggests that the cooling system may require close monitoring despite the low distance traveled. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the mechanical advisories noted in the 2025 inspection. The reported play in the rear wheel bearings and the offside front suspension arm ball joint are critical areas to investigate during a test drive. Listen for any rhythmic humming or growling noises from the rear that increase with vehicle speed, which would indicate bearing failure, and feel for any knocking or clunking sounds when navigating uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel, which points to worn ball joints or suspension bushes. Furthermore, the previously noted deterioration of the nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot is a significant concern; if this boot is split, grease will escape and grit will enter the joint, leading to premature failure of the drive shaft. Check for any clicking sounds during low-speed turns, which is a classic symptom of a failing CV joint. Given the vehicle's age and low-mileage profile, additional physical inspections are essential. Examine the tyres thoroughly for sidewall cracking or perishing, a common sign of age-related rubber degradation in vehicles that have not been driven frequently. Check the underside of the vehicle for signs of corrosion or fluid leaks, particularly around the engine and cooling system, especially since low coolant levels were flagged in previous years. Inspect the structural repair mentioned in the 2025 advisory to ensure it is clean and shows no signs of active rust or movement. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that even if the mileage is low, oil changes and fluid replacements have been carried out on a calendar basis rather than solely on mileage, as old fluids can become acidic or lose their protective properties over time.