1998 Rover 623 2.3L Petrol · R273 AOO

The most recent DVSA test on 16 June 2022 resulted in a failure because the off‑side front position lamp was inoperative, and it was accompanied by several advisories – discoloured front direction indicators, a modest oil leak and severely deteriorated constant‑velocity boots on the off‑side front inner and outer drive‑shaft joints. Over the past eight years the record shows a mixture of passes and failures, with recurring issues such as oil leakage, CV‑boot decay, brake‑disc wear and minor corrosion. Rather than stabilising, the pattern points to a gradual decline in the condition of key components, suggesting that maintenance has been reactive rather than proactive. At 85,999 miles the car averages just over 3,000 miles per year, which is unusually low for a 1998 model. Such low utilisation often indicates long periods of storage or very light use, both of which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and battery health despite the modest mileage. There are no obvious spikes in annual mileage that would have caused accelerated wear on wear‑items, but the combination of age and infrequent use means that components such as suspension bushes, engine mounts and brake hardware may be nearing the end of their service lives even though the odometer reads relatively low. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front CV joints: inspect the inner and outer boots for cracks, dry rot or oil staining, and listen for a clicking or clunking noise when the vehicle is turned at low speed, which would indicate joint wear. The modest oil leak noted in every MOT should be traced – look for drips around the valve cover, oil filter housing or front main seal and verify that the leak is not excessive, as even a small steady seep can lead to low oil levels and engine wear. Verify that all front lighting functions correctly, especially the off‑side position lamp, and check the condition of the direction indicators for moisture ingress that caused the discolouration advisories. The rear brake system has been flagged for worn discs and thin pads; examine the discs for scoring or rust, feel for any pulsation or shudder under braking, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. Corrosion was noted on the off‑side lower body panel and the rear anti‑roll bar – inspect the under‑carriage for rust progression, especially around mounting points, and confirm that the anti‑roll bar bushings are not cracked or excessively corroded. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of age‑related items is essential. Check all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or flat‑spotting, as low mileage does not protect against perishing; tread depth should be measured on each tyre regardless of the previous tyre‑tread failure. Test the 12‑volt battery’s state of charge and load capacity, as prolonged storage can lead to sulfation. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider a complete fluid change if the last service date is unknown, since fluids degrade over time even without high mileage. Finally, review the service book for evidence of regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and confirm that any major items such as the timing belt have been replaced within the manufacturer’s recommended interval, as failure of these time‑based components can be catastrophic despite the low recorded mileage.