2004 Pilgrim Cobra 5.7L Petrol · AC03 RAZ

Chronic oil seepage and front suspension damping deterioration form the defining mechanical narrative of this 2004 Pilgrim Cobra across its seven recorded DVSA tests. The most recent examination on 25 July 2025 returned a pass with three tyre perishing advisories across the front offside and both rear corners, while the 2024 test noted an engine oil leak alongside the same pattern of tyre cracking. Looking back further, an engine oil leak has been flagged on three separate occasions spanning 2020, 2022 and 2024, and the offside front shock absorber has been recorded with light oil misting at two consecutive tests in 2020 and 2022. The vehicle has not suffered any outright failures, and three tests in 2017, 2018 and 2019 were returned completely clean, but the recurring advisories point to a slow, ongoing pattern of age-related fluid loss rather than one-off occurrences. The recorded mileage of 8,853 miles against a 22-year vehicle age equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 402 miles, which is exceptionally low. The MOT testing record runs continuously from 2017 through to 2025 with no multi-year gaps, suggesting the car has remained in active use and on the road throughout this period rather than being laid up in storage, although the very low annual mileage does imply occasional short journeys rather than regular driving. This profile raises typical concerns associated with vehicles of low annual mileage, including the potential for standing-fluid degradation, internal corrosion in brake and clutch hydraulic systems, and drying or perishing of rubber components such as tyres, bushes and flexible hoses, the latter of which is already visibly evident in the recorded advisories. Given the repeated oil leak advisories, a prospective buyer should arrange a thorough under-bonnet inspection, paying particular attention to the source of the seepage, whether from the sump gasket, timing cover, rocker cover or rear main seal, as well as checking the engine oil level and condition on the dipstick. The offside front shock absorber misting recorded in 2020 and 2022 warrants a road test specifically over undulating surfaces and around sweeping corners to detect any knocking, reduced damping response, or excessive bouncing that would indicate the unit has progressed beyond minor seepage. Inspect the offside front shock body visually for fresh oil residue and assess the surrounding mounting bushes and top mounts for cracking. The exhaust manifold minor leak advisory from 2020 should also be rechecked by listening for ticking under acceleration when the engine is cold and inspecting the manifold flange and gasket for soot staining. The repeated tyre perishing advisories on both the offside front and rear tyres across two consecutive tests are a direct consequence of low-use standing rather than wear, as age-related rubber degradation occurs regardless of tread depth. All four tyres, including the nearside front which has not yet been flagged, should be closely examined for sidewall cracking, dry rot and uneven hardness, and replacement should be budgeted for regardless of remaining tread. With only two test entries showing mileage and the rest listed as non-mileage MOTs, a hand-written mileage verification from the V5C logbook and any accompanying service records would be advisable, along with a borescope inspection of the cylinders if possible, given how rarely this engine will have reached full operating temperature under such low annual use.