2020 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · LL70 VSA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 25 November 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the car met the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that date. Over the three‑year MOT window the vehicle has shown a generally stable maintenance pattern: a clean pass in December 2023, a pass in December 2024 that carried only advisory notes concerning the rear outer tyres, and a clean pass in 2025. The absence of any hard failures suggests that the owner has kept the car in a condition that satisfies the basic mechanical standards, with the only recurring issue being the early signs of tyre perishing, which is typical for an ageing tyre set. With 34,794 miles recorded on a 2020 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,800 mi per year, well below the UK average of around 10,000 mi. This low utilisation points to either limited daily use or periods of the vehicle being stationary for extended periods. Light use generally reduces wear on the engine, transmission, suspension bushings and brake components, but prolonged standing can accelerate rubber ageing, battery sulphation and corrosion of brake discs and caliper pins. The modest mileage therefore does not automatically guarantee excellent condition; age‑related degradation must still be examined. The advisory notes from the 2024 MOT flag slight damage or cracking on both rear outer tyres, a condition often described as tyre perishing. A prospective buyer should inspect the tyre sidewalls for any visible cracks, bulges or dry rot, verify that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm across the entire width, and check the DOT code to confirm the tyres are not beyond six years old. During a short test drive listen for any thumping or vibration that may indicate internal tyre damage, and feel for uneven grip or pulling that could suggest uneven wear. If the tyres are approaching the end of their service life, budgeting for a full set replacement would be prudent, as the rear tyres are the first to be affected by age‑related perishing. Beyond the tyres, the car’s low mileage and six‑year age mean that time‑based items should be inspected regardless of mileage. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and have the 12 V battery load‑tested, as standing periods can reduce capacity. Check the brake discs for surface rust or pitting and ensure the caliper pistons move freely without binding; any shudder or pulsation under braking would indicate disc or pad wear. Inspect all visible rubber hoses, the coolant expansion tank and the engine oil for signs of cracking, swelling or sediment, and confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes at the manufacturer‑specified intervals. Finally, verify that the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive corrosion and that the vehicle’s suspension components – coil springs, shock absorbers and bushings – show no signs of leakage, play or unusual clunking when the car is driven over bumps. Addressing these age‑related checks will give a clear picture of the car’s overall roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.