1991 Rover Metro 1.1L Petrol · J753 KBC

The vehicle’s MOT history presents a concerning lack of recent testing, with the most recent entry—a failed inspection—dating back to August 2022 at 38,935 miles , followed by a pass in August 2021 at 38,343 miles . The absence of any defects recorded in either test suggests that, at the time, the car met basic roadworthiness standards for emissions, lighting, and structural integrity. However, the failure in 2022—without any specified faults—raises immediate questions about why the test was not retaken or why the vehicle was not subsequently presented for another MOT. Given the current date of July 2026 , this represents a nearly four-year gap since the last official inspection, which is well beyond the annual requirement. Such prolonged inactivity is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage, particularly when no defects were noted, and it strongly implies either neglect or deliberate avoidance of testing. The mileage of 38,935 miles over approximately 35 years —averaging just 1,112 miles per year —is exceptionally low for a car of this vintage. This suggests either very light use, long periods of disuse, or potential odometer manipulation. The near-identical mileage between the two MOTs (a difference of just 592 miles over a year ) further reinforces this. While low mileage typically means reduced wear on consumables like tyres and brakes, it also raises red flags about the vehicle’s operational history. A car this old with such minimal mileage should ideally have been kept in a climate-controlled environment to prevent corrosion, yet the lack of recent MOTs contradicts responsible long-term storage. Buyers should treat this as a significant cautionary sign, as the vehicle may have been left exposed to the elements or subjected to inconsistent maintenance. Given the sparse MOT record, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection, particularly focusing on corrosion —a critical risk for a 35-year-old vehicle with such low recorded activity. Pay close attention to wheel arches, suspension mounts, and exhaust system integrity , as these are common failure points in older Rovers when left unused for extended periods. The brake system , including calipers, discs, and hydraulic lines, should be checked for binding or fluid leaks, even though no faults were recorded in the MOTs. Suspension components , such as bushes and coil springs, may have degraded due to lack of movement, potentially leading to stiffness or failure. Finally, verify the emissions system , as older diesel engines (if applicable) or carburetted petrol models can develop clogged or leaking components when not driven regularly. The absence of recent MOTs and the stagnant mileage make this a high-risk purchase unless the vehicle has been meticulously maintained in private—something the records do not support.