2003 Rover 25 1.4L Petrol · AW03 ASZ

Recurring braking issues define the recent mechanical history of this vehicle, with the latest pass on 2024-02-22 following a trend of binding front brakes noted since 2023. While the overall MOT record shows a steady pattern of roadworthiness, the persistent advisories regarding the offside and nearside front service brakes indicate a chronic issue with caliper movement or piston seizure that has not been fully rectified. An average annual usage of roughly 3,146 miles over 23 years represents a low-mileage profile for a vehicle of this age. While this suggests reduced wear on the internal engine components and gearbox, the low usage often correlates with the type of degradation seen in this record, specifically the corrosion of the rear coil springs and the deterioration of rubber seals and boots. Inspection should focus heavily on the front braking system and the offside front drivetrain. On a test drive, feel for any abnormal resistance or a lack of free-rolling, and check the temperature of the front wheels after a short drive to see if the binding persists. Any shuddering under braking or a tendency for the car to pull to one side would be consistent with the recorded caliper issues. Attention must also be paid to the suspension and CV joints. The 2022 record flagged severe deterioration of the offside front constant velocity boot and corrosion on both rear coil springs. Listen for rhythmic clicking or popping noises during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, which would indicate that the CV joint has suffered wear due to the failed boot. Visually inspect the rear springs for heavy scaling or fractures that could compromise the vehicle's ride height and stability.