2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.0L Petrol · KW04 ACE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 May 2026, was a pass but it was accompanied by a number of advisories covering front tyre wear, corroded rear brake pipe protection, a severely deteriorated ball‑joint dust cover on the off‑side front suspension arm and wear on the rear anti‑roll‑bar bush. Over the last three years the vehicle has moved from a failed test in March 2024 – where a major engine MIL fault and a fractured off‑side rear coil spring were recorded – to a clean pass in 2025 and a pass with only advisory items in 2026. This indicates that the most serious defects have been addressed, yet a pattern of recurring wear‑related advisories remains, suggesting that the overall maintenance trend is stabilising but still requires attention to prevent deterioration into a fail. At 56 482 miles on a 2004 chassis the average annual mileage works out at roughly 2 600 miles per year, which is well below the typical UK usage rate for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity rather than heavy use, meaning that while mechanical wear on moving parts may be limited, age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone components is likely. The modest mileage also means that consumables such as brake pads, clutch discs and suspension bushings may still have useful life, but the calendar age will have taken its toll on tyres, battery and fluid condition. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front tyres, which have repeatedly been flagged as being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear. Examine the tread depth across the width of each tyre, look for side‑wall cracking or dry rot, and consider replacing them promptly if any of these signs are present. The rear brake pipe protection is noted as corroded and covered in grease; inspect the pipe for rust perforation, ensure there is no brake fluid leakage and verify that the pipe is securely fitted without excessive play. The rear anti‑roll‑bar bush, flagged as worn on both occasions, should be checked for excessive movement or knocking when the vehicle is driven over bumps; a worn bush can lead to chassis flex and reduced handling precision. The off‑side front suspension arm’s ball‑joint dust cover is severely deteriorated, which may allow contaminants to reach the joint – feel for any looseness or clunking when steering through potholes and have the ball joint inspected for wear. The oil leak noted on the nearside front driveshaft seal in 2024 should be re‑examined; any fresh oil on the under‑tray or a persistent smell of oil could indicate a seal that needs replacement. Beyond the specific advisories, the age of the car warrants a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Check the 12 V battery for sulphation, measure the cranking voltage and confirm the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid unit, as prolonged storage can dramatically reduce capacity. Verify that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids can absorb moisture and lose effectiveness even when the vehicle is not driven much. Inspect the chassis and under‑body for rust, especially around wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, as standing in damp conditions accelerates corrosion. Finally, on a test drive listen for any abnormal wind‑noise from the brake pipe area, feel for any shudder or pull under braking, and watch for any warning lights, particularly the MIL, to ensure that the engine management system is fully operational. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.