2004 Dodge RAM 5.7L Petrol · OO54 RAM

At roughly 22 years of age with a recorded 103,996 miles, this Dodge Ram presents a MOT history dominated by component degradation rather than any structural or emissions concerns, but the pattern of advisories points to a chassis and underbody that is beginning to demand attention. The most recent test on 2 March 2023 was a pass, yet it was issued alongside the same advisories that had already triggered a Dangerous failure earlier that same day on the nearside entry/exit step, a defect which by its classification indicated that the boarding platform was no longer considered safe for passenger stability during ingress or egress. That same examination also recorded slight perish on both front and rear tyres together with a seepage from a power steering component, all of which were carried forward as advisories on the subsequent pass. Stepping back further to the December 2021 test, the recorded items were exclusively related to deteriorated ball joint dust covers on the front suspension arms and track rod end, with no braking, exhaust, or structural corrosion advisories present at that point. The overall trajectory therefore shows a chassis that was within acceptable wear limits two years prior but is now beginning to exhibit the early signs of corrosion, perishing rubber, and hydraulic component leakage that are typical of a vehicle reaching the end of its second decade on UK roads. The mileage accumulation of 4,727 miles per year is unusually low for a working pickup of this type and points to a vehicle that has spent substantial portions of its life either stationary or used only intermittently. Over the two-year gap between the December 2021 and March 2023 tests, only the mileage accrued between those two examinations was captured, but the broader annualised figure strongly suggests extended periods of inactivity. Mechanically, low annual mileage on a vehicle of this vintage tends to accelerate the degradation of rubber components such as suspension bushes, ball joint covers, tyres, and brake hydraulic seals, while underfloor components and exposed step mechanisms become vulnerable to standing-water corrosion and electrolytic decay rather than wear from sustained use. The advisories observed, including perished tyres, deteriorated ball joint dust covers, power steering seepage, and the dangerously compromised step, are all consistent with age-related rubber hardening and surface oxidation rather than high-mileage mechanical wear. A prospective buyer should treat the March 2023 advisories as the immediate priority list for inspection rather than as background notes. The perished front and rear tyres will need replacement regardless of remaining tread, as sidewall cracking on a 22-year-old vehicle of this weight represents a genuine safety risk, particularly under load. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the deteriorated ball joint dust covers noted in 2021 can allow moisture and grit to enter the joint itself, accelerating internal wear; any vagueness in steering response, knocking on full lock, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle would suggest the joints now require replacement. The power steering seepage should be located and quantified by inspecting the reservoir, hoses, and rack for fresh residue, with the engine running to identify whether the leak is active or simply an old dried film. The dangerous failure on the entry/exit step warrants particular physical scrutiny during any viewing, as corrosion to structural boarding components on a pickup of this age frequently extends into the underlying sill, outrigger, or chassis rail. Inspect the step mounting points, the surrounding bodywork, and the floor pan from underneath for perforation or bubbling paint, and check that the step itself remains rigid under foot pressure rather than flexing. Examine the underside broadly for any fresh underseal applied over corrosion, which can mask significant structural defects, and pay close attention to the subframe mounts, brake pipe runs, and fuel line routing where surface rust tends to progress first. Finally, verify the condition of the brake fluid, which on a low-mileage, intermittently used vehicle may have absorbed moisture over time and benefit from replacement, and confirm the steering box or rack for any weeping at the input shaft seal given the advisory seepage already on file.