2002 Rover 45 1.4L Petrol · PX02 SKU

The Rover 45 presents a stable and largely reassuring roadworthiness profile. The most recent test on 8 May 2026 at 45,442 miles returned a completely clean pass with zero defects, advisories, or failures. This is a significant improvement over the 2025 test, where the tester flagged worn and pitted front brake discs on both sides along with front brake imbalance and a perishing nearside rear tyre. The fact that none of those items reappeared in 2026 suggests the previous owner addressed the braking system and replaced the damaged tyre promptly. The maintenance trend is therefore improving, with the vehicle currently in strong mechanical standing. The mileage pattern tells a consistent story of very light use. Over roughly four years of recorded history, the car accumulated just 3,547 miles, averaging approximately 887 miles per year during that window. The annual test dates fall almost exactly on the same day each year, indicating a disciplined MOT routine. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in recorded distance. At 45,442 miles across 24 years, the overall annual average sits around 1,893 miles, which is well below the UK typical of 8,000 to 12,000 miles per year. Such low mileage generally limits wear on drivetrain and suspension components, though prolonged periods of inactivity can introduce its own concerns around perished rubber, stale fuel, and corroded brake components. Despite the clean 2026 result, a buyer should still inspect the braking system closely. The 2025 advisories on pitted front discs and imbalance indicate the brakes were underperforming, and while they now pass, the underlying condition of the discs, pads, and calipers warrants a physical check for uneven wear or binding. The perishing nearside rear tyre flagged in 2025 also raises a question about the age and condition of all four tyres, particularly if the car has been sitting for extended periods between short trips. Rubber components such as suspension bushes, brake hoses, and exhaust mounts should be examined for age-related deterioration, as low mileage does not protect against natural degradation over two decades. Structurally, a 2002 Rover 45 of this age demands a thorough underside inspection. Even with low mileage, twenty-four years of exposure to road salt and moisture can produce corrosion on subframes, sills, and suspension mounting points. The absence of any corrosion-related advisories in the MOT record is encouraging, but the tester only assesses items visible without dismantling. A buyer should have the car raised on a lift to check for hidden rust, particularly around the rear subframe and jacking points, which are known weak points on this model. The exhaust system should also be inspected for condition and emissions compliance, given the age of the catalytic converter and lambda sensors.