2003 Rover 25 1.4L Petrol · BS52 ART

Front‑suspension wear dominates the MOT history, highlighted by a recorded failure for an excessively worn lower shock‑absorber bush on the nearside front in November 2025; the subsequent test in late November cleared the car, indicating that the fault was remedied before the next inspection. Prior to that, recurring advisories have flagged play in the steering rack inner joints (off‑side in 2020 and 2021) and progressive tyre sidewall cracking on both front and rear wheels, suggesting a pattern of ageing rubber and bushings that has required attention but has not yet escalated to outright failures. At 27 059 mi spread over 23 years the vehicle averages just over 1 100 mi per annum, a mileage figure well below typical usage for a car of this age. Such low annual accumulation often points to long periods of inactivity, which can accelerate deterioration of rubber components, bushings and seals even when the engine sees little wear. The MOT record shows consistent annual testing from 2019 onward, with no large mileage jumps between tests, reinforcing the impression of steady, light use rather than hidden high‑mileage intervals. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering feel. Listen for knocks or excessive movement when driving over bumps, especially on the nearside front, which could indicate residual bush wear or a developing shock‑absorber issue. Test the steering for any looseness or uneven pull at low speeds; noticeable play may signal that the inner rack joints have not been fully restored. Examine all four tyres closely for sidewall cracks, bulges or loss of tread depth, as the MOT advisories on tyre perishing suggest the rubber may be approaching the end of its service life and could require replacement soon. The rear registration plate was noted as deteriorated in 2020, though still legible; verify that the plate is securely mounted and clearly readable, as further corrosion could eventually breach legal requirements. Overall, the car’s low mileage reduces engine wear, but the documented suspension, steering and tyre concerns merit a thorough mechanical check and likely component replacement before the vehicle can be considered reliably road‑worthy for regular use.