2004 Morgan 4/4 1.8L Petrol · CD04 MOG

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 11 March 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing an unbroken run of clean test results stretching back through every recorded entry since at least May 2019. Across the eight consecutive tests supplied, there is not a single advisory, minor defect, or failure, which indicates a consistent pattern of proactive maintenance and mechanical upkeep. The absence of recurring items such as suspension component wear, brake-related issues, exhaust corrosion, or lighting defects suggests that the previous keeper has been attentive to the roadworthiness requirements of this car. From a trend perspective, the record is stable, with no deterioration evident over the seven-year test window. With a recorded mileage of 41,223 miles over approximately 22 years, the car has covered around 1,874 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This figure suggests either limited leisure use, consistent garage storage, or extended periods of standing between drives rather than daily commuting duty. While low mileage reduces wear on high-stress components such as the clutch, gearbox internals, and engine bearings, it carries its own mechanical implications. Long periods of inactivity accelerate rubber and polymer degradation, promote corrosion on ferrous components, and can lead to fluid stratification or moisture ingress in systems that rely on regular thermal cycling to remain healthy. Given the clean MOT record and the age-and-mileage profile, physical inspection should focus on time-based deterioration rather than wear-based wear. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, and ozone damage, as rubber compounds harden with age irrespective of tread depth, and a 2004-manufactured car fitted with older tyres should be replaced as a matter of safety. The braking system warrants particular attention due to the likelihood of standing use: brake discs may exhibit surface corrosion or lipping, and caliper slides and pistons can seize through lack of regular actuation, leading to binding, uneven pad wear, and reduced stopping efficiency. During a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding, or pulling to one side under braking, and check for a hot wheel or burning smell after a short stop, which would suggest a seized caliper. The 12V battery, cooling system, brake fluid, and fuel system all require scrutiny based on calendar age rather than mileage. A battery approaching or exceeding five years old should be load-tested, as standing vehicles are particularly prone to deep discharge and premature failure. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox or differential oil (where applicable to this rear-wheel-drive Morgan's specification) degrade chemically over time and should be checked for service history stamps and fluid condition, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and can compromise braking performance if not renewed every two to three years. Under the car, inspect the chassis, suspension springs, and shackles for any surface corrosion, paying particular attention to the ash frame construction typical of Morgans, and examine the undersides of the sill outriggers and rear spring mounts for any signs of structural corrosion. Listen on the test drive for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, and verify that the steering remains precise and free of excess play, as low-mileage vehicles with traditional suspension components can develop dry or perished bushes that only become apparent under load.