2004 Fiat Motor Caravan 2.8L Diesel · FP04 DMF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 9 April 2026 with no defects recorded. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend has improved significantly over the last few years. While 2021 saw a series of major failures and several concerning advisories, the vehicle has since achieved four consecutive clean passes. This suggests that the previous owner addressed the critical failures and has maintained the vehicle to a consistent standard recently. With a recorded mileage of 40,906 miles over 22 years, this vehicle has averaged approximately 1,859 miles per year, which is exceptionally low. While this results in minimal mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, such low usage often implies long periods of standing. This usage profile shifts the primary risk from wear-and-tear to age-related degradation, where rubber components perish and fluids break down regardless of the distance travelled. Given the history of perished tyres and corroded PAS pipes in 2021, a thorough physical inspection of all rubber components is essential. You should examine the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres can become unsafe due to age even if the tread remains legal. Pay close attention to the condition of the brake hoses and power steering pipes for any signs of weeping or renewed corrosion. During the test drive, listen specifically for a rhythmic drone or humming from the wheel bearings and any clicking sounds from the front CV joints during tight turns, ensuring the previous repairs remain effective. Because this vehicle has spent much of its life stationary, you must verify the service history to ensure fluids have been changed based on time rather than mileage. Check for brake disc corrosion or binding calipers, which are common in low-use vehicles. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of age or leakage and ensure the engine coolant is free of contamination. Finally, examine the exhaust system for any signs of surface corrosion that may have developed since the silencer issues were noted in 2021, as these vehicles are prone to structural rust in the exhaust line.