2004 Rover Streetwise 1.4L Petrol · AX04 AEA

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of structural corrosion and age-related decay. The most recent test in January 2026 at 71,426 miles identified perishing on both rear tyres, a recurring issue that has appeared in almost every annual inspection. While the car continues to pass its tests, the frequency of corrosion warnings on the underside and exhaust components indicates that the vehicle is suffering from its age rather than high-mileage mechanical wear. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old car, averaging approximately 3,200 miles per year. The data shows a significant stagnation in use between 2019 and 2026, where the mileage only advanced by 3,349 miles over seven years. This low usage explains the frequent reports of pitted brake discs and perished rubber tyres, as the vehicle likely sits for long periods, leading to dry rot in rubber components and surface rust on iron brakework and chassis due to a lack of regular走行 to keep components warm and clear of debris. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and sills for rust, as the tester has flagged corrosion consistently since 2019, with specific mentions of under-body corrosion worsening in 2024. The exhaust system requires close attention given the history of deteriorated flexi-pipes and leaks at the centre rear joint. Furthermore, the recurring issue of corroded rear brake pipes and imbalanced braking requirements noted back to 2014 suggests that the braking system may be prone to seizing calipers. The steering rack joint should also be checked to ensure there is no further play beyond the minor issue noted in 2017.