2002 Toyota Celica 1.8L Petrol · MT52 DYF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a concerning trend of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. While it passed its most recent test in March 2026 at 104,479 miles, it failed just days prior due to a deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover and an inoperative engine malfunction indicator light. This suggests that the owner only addresses faults once they trigger an MOT failure, a pattern that can leave underlying mechanical issues unaddressed for long periods on a vehicle of this age. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 104,479 miles is remarkably low, averaging approximately 4,353 miles per year. The data shows a significant gap in usage between January 2024 and March 2025, where the car covered only 362 miles in fourteen months. Such long periods of standing often lead to the degradation of rubber components, seals, and fluids regardless of the low mileage recorded. The January 2024 failure at 100,891 miles indicates that the vehicle has suffered from significant component neglect despite the low annual mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The 2024 failure revealed a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a leaking rear shock absorber, and a weakened front brake disc, indicating that the undercarriage is reaching the end of life. The recent failure in 2026 regarding the anti-roll bar dust cover suggests that other rubber bushes and boots throughout may also be perished. Additionally, the engine management system requires a diagnostic check to determine why the malfunction indicator was inoperative, as this could mask serious sensor faults or emission issues.