2015 Lifan LF 0.1L Petrol · AJ15 AEK

A significant safety concern surfaced in the 2020 MOT when the off‑side front brake assembly was flagged for excessive wear on the clevis joint, insufficient reserve travel in both the brake lever and pedal, and the rear tyre tread was recorded below the legal minimum – a combination that would have rendered the vehicle unroadworthy at that time. Since then the record shows no further brake or tyre failures, and the most recent 2025 test reports a pass, although a rear stop‑lamp fault was logged on the same day, indicating that the lighting issue remains unresolved. The odometer reads just 10,443 mi after eleven years, averaging under 1,000 mi per year – a usage pattern that is markedly lower than typical for a vehicle of this age. Such low mileage can imply long periods of inactivity, which in turn may promote rubber hardening, corrosion of hidden components, and moisture ingress in sealed systems. The MOT history also reveals gaps: after a clean pass in 2018 the next recorded test is in 2020, and then the next is not until 2025, suggesting the vehicle may have been off the road or untested for several years, a factor that warrants a thorough visual inspection for rust, seized joints, and fluid condition. When inspecting the braking system, pay close attention to the front‑right side where the 2020 major failures were recorded. Test the pedal for a firm, progressive feel and listen for any clunk or excessive play when the pedal is depressed, which could indicate lingering wear in the clevis joint or hydraulic issues. Verify that the front brake pads and discs are of adequate thickness and free of scoring, and confirm that the rear tyre tread depth now exceeds the 1.0 mm minimum – a simple visual check with a tread depth gauge should suffice. The near‑side drive chain and its sprocket were noted as worn but not excessive in 2020; a chain‑drive inspection should include listening for rattling or skipping under load, feeling for excessive slack, and checking that the sprocket teeth are intact and not pitted. Finally, confirm that the rear stop‑lamp illuminates consistently on both the brake pedal actuation and the hand‑brake lever, as the 2025 failure indicates a fault that could be as simple as a burnt‑out bulb or as involved as a wiring harness issue. While the MOT record shows no other lighting defects, a quick functional test of all external lamps is advisable. Given the low mileage and the periods without MOT testing, also examine the chassis for any signs of corrosion, especially around suspension mounting points and the chain‑drive housing, and ensure that any rubber bushings or mounts are supple rather than cracked, to avoid hidden deterioration that could surface under normal driving conditions.