2004 MG ZR1.8L Petrol

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend regarding structural integrity and fluid containment. While the most recent test on 22 September 2025 at 119,341 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged significant body corrosion affecting the front and rear wheel arches. This follows a pattern of recurring issues, including a persistent gearbox oil leak first noted in the October 2023 test at 108,353 miles and again in the September 2025 inspection. The presence of both structural corrosion and ongoing leaks suggests the vehicle is entering a phase of age-related deterioration that requires close monitoring. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,425 miles per year over its 22-year lifespan. The data shows consistent, albeit infrequent, annual testing, with the most recent gap being the period between October 2024 and September 2025. This low-mileage usage often correlates with the type of faults observed, such as tyre wear issues and rubber component degradation, rather than heavy drivetrain wear. However, the long periods of inactivity may contribute to the corrosion and seized components noted in previous years. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and sills to assess the extent of the corrosion mentioned in the 2025 record. The history shows a recurring struggle with consumables; for instance, the 2025 test flagged tyres worn on the edges, similar to the failures in 2022 and 2015. The buyer should also check the suspension and steering geometry, as track rod end play and engine steady mount issues appeared frequently between 2016 and 2019. Mechanical attention should be directed toward the gearbox and power steering systems to verify if the reported oil leaks and seepage have been adequately addressed. Given the history of binding brakes and pitted discs in 2017 and 2019, a detailed check of the braking system, including calipers and lines, is necessary. Finally, the condition of the exhaust system should be verified, as the flexi-sections and back boxes have been flagged as deteriorating in multiple previous inspections.