2004 Rover 75 2.0L Diesel · AV04 NVK

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2023-03-08—just 3 years and 4 months prior to today—shows a stable but concerning pattern. Despite passing the test, the record reveals two back-to-back MOTs in March 2023 at identical mileage (157,622), one of which was a failure without recorded defects. This suggests either a technical error in the system or a deliberate attempt to circumvent proper inspection, which undermines the reliability of the data. The previous cycle in early 2022 also included a failure at 146,873 miles, just five days before a pass at 146,886—an anomaly that warrants scrutiny. The lack of documented faults in failures implies either a lack of thorough testing or a history of minor issues being overlooked. Overall, the trend is neither improving nor worsening but instead raises questions about the vehicle’s true maintenance history. The mileage progression of roughly 7,165 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between tests are unusually short—just under 12 months between failures in 2022 and 2023. This suggests the vehicle may have been driven consistently rather than left unused, which could accelerate wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers. The identical mileage at both 2022 and 2023 failures (146,873 and 157,622) is particularly notable, as it implies either a misreporting of mileage or a deliberate attempt to reset the odometer between tests—a red flag for potential tampering. Without additional service records, it’s impossible to confirm, but the pattern deviates from standard MOT reporting conventions. Given the anomalies in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of critical wear items. The repeated failures without recorded defects hint at potential issues with brake binding, suspension stiffness, or exhaust emissions—common failures in this model that often go unnoticed in basic tests. Focus on the rear suspension, where wear on bushes and coil springs is likely advanced given the mileage; check for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate misaligned wheels or failing dampers. The braking system should be thoroughly tested for uneven pad thickness, warped discs, or seized calipers, as these are frequently overlooked in failed MOTs. Structural corrosion, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, should also be inspected, as this Rover model is prone to rust-related failures. The lack of service history makes it impossible to verify whether major components like the timing belt or differential fluid have been changed, so these should be checked if the vehicle is to be retained long-term.