1989 Trabant P601 0.6L Petrol · G428 GSM

The vehicle's roadworthiness status is poor, with a maintenance trend that is clearly worsening. The most recent test on 17 June 2025 at 96,502 miles resulted in a failure due to serious structural and mechanical issues. The tester identified excessive corrosion on the offside front lower suspension component mounting, which significantly reduces structural strength, alongside a holed and corroded jacking point. These structural failures, combined with inadequate brake effort at both rear wheels suggesting seizing cylinders, indicate a vehicle that is deteriorating rapidly. The mileage pattern shows very low usage for a 25-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,860 miles per year. While the total distance of 96,502 miles is low, the data reveals a significant period of stagnation or inconsistent record-keeping between 2021 and 2019. More concerning is the recent mileage accumulation; between June 2021 and June 2025, the vehicle covered roughly 4,000 miles, yet the frequency and severity of MOT failures have escalated sharply during this period. This suggests that while the car is driven infrequently, it is not being maintained to a standard that prevents progressive decay. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and structural integrity. The history shows a recurring pattern of corrosion, moving from corroded brake pipes in June 2024 to significant structural weakness in the wishbone mounts and sills by June 2025. The nearside integral body structure was previously flagged as inadequately repaired in June 2023, which raises serious questions about the long-term stability of the vehicle. Any inspection should focus heavily on the underside to assess the extent of the rot in the mounting areas and the front crossmember. The braking system also requires immediate professional attention. The record shows a chronic history of binding brakes and failing components, including damaged hoses, twisted pipes, and seizing cylinders. Given the failure in June 2025 for inadequate brake effort and the previous reports of binding calipers and corroded pipes, the entire hydraulic system and all braking hardware should be considered unreliable. Additionally, the recurring issues with suspension components, such as insecure shock absorbers and worn wheel bearings, suggest that the mechanical upkeep has been reactive rather than preventative.