1993 Triumph 0.9L Petrol · L404 CPE

A pattern of front suspension deterioration has emerged across the most recent MOT tests on this 1993 Triumph, with the front shock absorbers drawing advisory notices in both 2025 and 2026 following a Major failure in April 2025 where the offside unit was leaking fluid and showing a corroded stanchion. That same test also recorded a contaminated offside front brake disc and brake performance entries marked as untestable at both axles, although the vehicle subsequently passed in May 2025 and again on 16 April 2026, suggesting the failed shock and disc were replaced and the braking system was restored to working order. The persistent advisory on reduced damping effect at both front shocks in 2025 and 2026 indicates that whatever replacement was carried out may already be showing signs of wear, and the rear brake binding advisories in 2024 and 2025 point to a separate issue with the rear caliper mechanism that has not been resolved. The rear tyres have worn close to the legal limit at three consecutive tests, which is consistent with the binding brakes causing accelerated wear on the inside shoulder or a tracking issue that should be investigated. With eight tests on record spanning from October 2014 to April 2026, the vehicle has accumulated 29,922 miles over roughly 33 years, equating to an average of around 907 miles per year, though the distribution is uneven. There is a substantial gap between the October 2014 test and the April 2021 test, during which no MOT history is recorded, suggesting the car may have either been exempt from testing under historic vehicle rules for part of that period or was off the road. The mileage progression between tests is difficult to verify without recorded odometer readings on the certificates, but the low annual accumulation indicates light overall use. Light use of this nature tends to place more strain on components that benefit from regular operation, including brake calipers and sliding mechanisms that can seize when stationary, as well as suspension fluids and seals that degrade with age rather than mileage. The front shock absorbers are the most pressing area to scrutinise on a test drive. With advisories noting reduced damping effect at both sides in the two most recent tests, the vehicle is likely to exhibit continued bouncing, floaty body control over undulations, and nose-dive under braking. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn top mounts or bushes exacerbated by the failing dampers, and inspect the shock bodies for fresh surface rust, weeping fluid, or evidence that previous repairs may have involved pattern parts rather than quality gas-charged replacements. The rear brake binding first flagged in 2024 and repeated in 2025 should be evaluated by driving at low speed with light pedal pressure; a dragging sensation, uneven effort, or hot rear wheels after a short drive would confirm the caliper slides or handbrake mechanism remain sticky. The rear tyre wear advisories should prompt a check of the rear wheel alignment and a close inspection of the inner edges of the rear tyres for feathering or shoulder wear, which together with the binding brakes could indicate a tracking problem hiding behind the apparent tyre issue. The Major brake performance entries from the 2025 failure are particularly important to verify have been properly resolved. Because both axles were marked unable to be tested, the inspection should include confirmation that the brake discs and pads are in genuine serviceable condition rather than just adequate to pass, and that the hydraulic system has been bled and checked for any residual contamination from the offside front disc issue. A thorough road test should include several firm stops from around 40 mph to check for pull to one side, pedal fade, or judder through the steering, any of which would suggest the brake repair was incomplete. The insecure offside front direction indicator noted as a Minor at the 2025 failure is a simple fix but worth confirming is properly seated. Given the age of the vehicle and the recurring suspension and brake advisories, a pre-purchase inspection on a ramp would be advisable to check for corrosion on the damper turrets, front subframe, and brake pipes, none of which have been flagged in the MOT record to date but are common failure points on vehicles of this vintage.