1987 SKODA 1201.8L PETROL

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but exhibits a history of recurring structural and mechanical degradation. While it passed the test in March 2024, the record reveals a pattern of neglect regarding specific components that persist across multiple years. The persistence of play in the front kingpins from 2023 through to 2024 indicates that while minor faults are addressed to pass the MOT test, the underlying mechanical wear in the steering geometry is not being comprehensively rectified. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 39-year-old vehicle, recording only 1,173 miles as of March 2024. There is a significant gap in data between the 2021 test at 366 miles and the 2024 test, representing only 807 miles over three years. This low usage suggests the car sits for long periods, which often correlates with the type of corrosion issues identified in the record, specifically the floor and inner sill mounting areas flagged during the July 2021 failure. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity of the front floor and suspension mounting points. The 2021 failure highlighted excessive corrosion that significantly reduced structural strength in these areas, and although these were noted as non-structural holes in later tests, the risk of hidden rot remains high in a vehicle of this age. The noisy rear wheel bearings noted in March 2024 also suggest that internal components are failing or seizing due to age and lack of use rather than mileage.