2014 Bentley Mulsanne 6.8L Petrol · GSS 942

The vehicle holds a valid MOT certificate following the April 2026 test at 48,850 miles, yet the record reveals a persistent suspension concern that requires attention. The tester recorded light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber during both the April 2025 and April 2026 inspections, indicating a slow seal degradation rather than an immediate failure. This advisory sits alongside isolated tyre cuts flagged in previous years, which the DVSA classified as non critical because they did not breach the ply or cords. The maintenance trajectory remains stable, as the car cleared its annual tests without major defects or dangerous items, but the recurring shock absorber warning suggests the damping unit will eventually require replacement before the seal fails completely. Recorded mileage sits at 48,850 miles against twelve years of age, averaging roughly four thousand miles annually. The odometer progression shows minimal accumulation between tests, with only seventeen hundred miles added between March 2023 and April 2024, and just three hundred eighty one miles separating the April 2024 and April 2025 inspections. Such low annual usage often points to garage storage or occasional weekend running rather than regular commuting. The history covers five consecutive years of testing with two clean records in 2022 and 2024, confirming consistent compliance but offering limited insight into long term drivetrain wear given the restricted distance covered. A prospective buyer should verify the current condition of the nearside rear damper by checking for fresh fluid residue around the lower mounting bolt and measuring ride height symmetry against the opposite corner. The offside front power steering hose showed slight seepage during the March 2023 test, so inspect the hydraulic lines for dried fluid trails and listen for whining noises under load. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking or uneven tread wear, as prolonged stationary periods can cause flat spotting and rubber degradation even when tread depth remains adequate. Address the shock absorber advisory promptly to prevent accelerated wear on adjacent suspension bushes and coil springs, ensuring the chassis geometry stays within manufacturer tolerances.