2004 Rover 75 2.0L Diesel · AX04 AHV

This Rover 75 has shown a clear deterioration in roadworthiness over the past year, with the most recent test on 2026-05-22 revealing multiple critical advisories and a single failure the day prior. The pattern of repeated suspension and structural issues—particularly the corroded rear suspension arms, deteriorated ball joints, and compromised seat belt anchorage—indicates a vehicle in active decline rather than one undergoing consistent maintenance. The near-identical advisories between the 2026 failures and the 2025 tests suggest these problems have persisted without resolution, with the rear suspension and bodywork corrosion worsening over time. The most recent pass did not address the underlying structural or mechanical concerns, leaving the vehicle in a state where critical components risk imminent failure. The recorded mileage of 99,853 miles at the latest test reflects an unusually low annual average of approximately 4,500 miles, which may imply prolonged periods of inactivity rather than light usage. This is notable given the vehicle’s age, as such low mileage often correlates with deferred maintenance rather than regular service intervals. The gap between the 2023 pass (90,036 miles) and the 2025 failures (90,514 miles)—just 478 miles in nearly two years—further suggests the vehicle was likely stored or driven sporadically, allowing corrosion and wear to accelerate. The lack of intervening MOTs or service records during this period raises concerns about whether routine checks were performed. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear suspension components, particularly the corroded suspension arms and shock absorbers, which exhibited oil leakage in recent tests. The offside rear tyre damage and perishing tread warrant replacement, while the steering rack inner joint play and deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joints signal imminent failure if not addressed. Structural integrity is also a concern, with the rear sill and seat belt anchorage showing significant corrosion and poor repairs, potentially compromising safety. The washer system failures, though minor, indicate neglect in basic fluid maintenance. Given the recurring advisories, a full suspension rebuild, bodywork corrosion assessment, and brake system evaluation are strongly advised before considering this vehicle.