2007 Vauxhall Tigra 1.4L Petrol · KB57 XOZ

The 2023‑11‑18 MOT at 96,197 miles resulted in a pass, but the tester flagged light oil misting on both front shock absorbers (5.3.2 (b)) and slight play in the near‑ and off‑side track rod end ball joints (2.1.3 (b) (i)), together with a modest oil leak (8.4.1 (a) (i)). These findings show that the vehicle’s maintenance trend is neither improving nor deteriorating dramatically; rather, it reflects persistent wear in the front suspension and steering components that have re‑appeared across successive tests. At 19 years old, the recorded mileage of 96,197 equates to roughly 5,063 miles per year, a figure that is low for a car of this age and suggests periods of reduced use or standing. The mileage record shows a steady climb from 60,826 miles in 2014 to 96,197 miles in 2023, with two notable jumps of about 4,400 miles between 2021 and 2022 and between 2022 and 2023, indicating that the car has been driven more consistently in recent years while earlier intervals were comparatively quieter. A buyer should therefore focus on the front suspension system, checking the condition of the shock absorbers, suspension bushes and the play in the track rod end ball joints, and inspect the anti‑roll bar linkage dust covers for severe deterioration as noted in 2022. The drive shaft constant‑velocity boots, especially the near‑side inner boot, should be examined for cracks or insecurity, and the front brake discs and pads must be measured for wear, given the recurring thin‑pad and worn‑disc observations from 2021 onward. Persistent oil leaks, parking brake efficiency below requirement, and any signs of structural rust or exhaust leakage should also be verified before purchase.