1994 Ford Probe 2.5L Petrol · M417 GGT

The 1994 Ford Unknown carries a documented pattern of intermittent failures spanning nearly three decades, beginning with a near-side outer front constant velocity joint gaiter split in September 2007 and immediately preceding it, a failed MOT in September 2006 that cited insufficient windshield washer liquid and missing front wheel nuts alongside anti-roll bar play. These two consecutive failures in quick succession suggest progressive degradation of the suspension and chassis systems rather than isolated incidents, and although the vehicle subsequently achieved a clean pass in October 2007, the underlying component wear remains evident in the test results. The current absence of a recent MOT (with the last recorded test being 2007-10-16) means the present roadworthiness status cannot be independently verified against contemporary standards. The odometer reading of 108,436 miles on a 32-year-old vehicle translates to roughly 3,390 miles per annum, which is anomalously low compared to the frequency of the two failed MOTs occurring within a 14-month window in 2006-2007. Such a disparity between recorded mileage and the intensity of service interventions implies either prolonged periods of inactivity or selective use, potentially allowing certain systems to deteriorate while others remain dormant. The gap between the 2006 failed test and the next failure in late 2007—approximately seven months—further indicates that the vehicle did not maintain consistent operational exposure, which could affect the reliability of the most recent passing result. The anti-roll bar assembly shows the most pressing mechanical concern, having exhibited excessive play in both the rear ball joint and front anti-roll bar pin/bush during the 2007 failure. On test drive, you should feel increased steering effort and a tendency for the front end to wander or pull laterally under load, especially when cornering at moderate speeds. The near-side front constant velocity joint gaiter split is another critical area, as damaged gaskets often leak grease that can degrade surrounding components and create a distinctive whining or clicking noise during acceleration or when navigating uneven pavement. The handbrake quadrant oil contamination reported in the 2007 MOT is a direct safety concern that warrants immediate investigation before acquisition, as excess hydraulic fluid can compromise brake function and accelerate corrosion on adjacent metal parts. During your evaluation, listen for any abnormal noises from the handbrake mechanism and inspect the handbrake lever operation for smoothness. Additionally, the missing front wheel nuts from the 2006 failure point to possible prior wheel removal events, so check for any signs of wheel bearing wear or hub corrosion that may have developed during the period the wheels were absent from the axle.