2002 MCC Smart Pulse Softouch Auto 0.6L Petrol · HT02 AGZ

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status but exhibits a trend of worsening mechanical and structural degradation. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 81,996 miles, this followed a failure on the same day due to multiple significant defects. The transition from a clean record in early 2024 to a series of failures in 2025 and 2026 indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related components are failing at an accelerating rate. The mileage profile is notably low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,400 miles per year. Between February 2024 at 76,601 miles and February 2026 at 81,996 miles, the car covered 5,395 miles. This low usage suggests the vehicle has been driven sparingly, which often correlates with the accelerated onset of corrosion and the drying of rubber-based components that suffer without the benefit of regular use to keep moving parts lubricated. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear sub-frame, as the 2026 test flagged corrosion that while not yet structurally compromised, represents a terminal wear point for this model. The recurring presence of corrosion on the rear brake pipes, which were noted covered in grease, suggests a previous attempt to mask surface rust rather than replace the lines. Furthermore, the front suspension requires close attention, with suspension arm bushes and ball joints being flagged as worn across the last two testing periods. The history also reveals a lack of proactive preventative maintenance, evidenced by the major exhaust leak and emissions failure in early 2025 alongside tyres worn to the legal limit. The corrosion on the front coil springs is a known risk for sudden failure under load. Given the low mileage and the age of the Smart Pulse, the buyer should expect immediate expenditure on the braking system and suspension rubber components to ensure long-term reliability.