1997 Mahindra LWB Indian 2.1L Diesel · 103 MTT

A persistent oil‑drip coupled with front‑wheel tyre‑to‑arch clearance issues defines the mechanical narrative of this 1997 Mahindra LWB Indian, and the record shows that these concerns have not been resolved over the past two years. The vehicle failed two consecutive MOTs in early 2025 for a range of major faults – off‑side front direction indicator, ineffective windscreen wipers, incorrect headlamp aim, parking‑brake inefficiency and a front wheel‑bearing play – before returning to a pass in March 2024 and again in February 2026, albeit still carrying advisories for the oil leak and tyre protrusion. The pattern suggests that while the car can meet the minimum legal standards, it carries recurring defects that have required repeated attention. Recorded mileage of 14,854 mi after 29 years works out to roughly 512 mi per annum, an exceptionally low utilisation rate. Such limited running typically reduces wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and clutch components, but it also raises the possibility of prolonged periods of inactivity. Extended stand‑still can promote corrosion of chassis joints, rust on suspension mounting points and the gradual degradation of rubber seals, all of which may not be reflected in mileage alone. The MOT history shows no obvious gaps, yet the low annual accumulation means any hidden deterioration may surface only under load or after a thorough inspection. Prospective buyers should focus on the oil‑leak source: look for fresh oil stains on the engine bay floor, around the valve cover gasket and beneath the oil filter housing, and verify that the drip rate remains well below the excessive‑leak threshold. The tyre‑to‑arch protrusion advisories point to either oversized tyres, worn suspension bushes or mis‑aligned wheel carriers; a visual inspection of the wheel arches should reveal any rubbing marks, and a test‑drive over speed‑bumps should expose knocking or clunking that would indicate worn control‑arm bushings or compromised coil‑spring mounts. The front wheel‑bearing play noted in 2025 warrants a hands‑on check for lateral movement when the wheel is rocked at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions, and any grinding or humming noises at road speed would confirm bearing deterioration. Finally, verify the functionality of the off‑side front direction indicator, both windscreen wipers and headlamp aim, as these were recorded as major failures. Confirm that the wipers sweep the full windshield area without streaking and that the headlamps produce a symmetric, correctly aimed beam when viewed from the side. Test the parking brake on a gentle incline to ensure it holds the vehicle without excessive pedal travel or slippage. Listening for any pulsation in the brake pedal, feeling for uneven brake torque, and checking for fluid leaks around the rear brake lines will also help gauge the current state of the braking system after the earlier parking‑brake deficiency. A comprehensive mechanical inspection that addresses these specific items will give a clear picture of whether the recurring advisories have been remedied or remain a latent risk.