1998 Rover 800 2.0L Petrol · R852 XNT

The most recent MOT on 2021-11-22 recorded a pass , but noted persistent issues including front steering roughness and a non-excessive front oil leak . These suggest ongoing mechanical wear or unresolved faults from earlier reports. The prior MOT on 2021-11-09 was a fail with multiple critical defects, including a bulging nearside rear tyre , worn front track rod ends (risking detachment), exhaust leaks , brake efficiency below requirements , and corrosion in suspension mounts . These issues indicate significant structural and safety risks. A recurring pattern of suspension and corrosion-related faults emerges, particularly in 2021 and 2020 MOTs. The 2020-09-10 fail highlighted severe corrosion in suspension component mounts, reducing structural strength, while the 2021-11-09 fail listed worn anti-roll bar bushes , ABS faults , and brake inefficiency . These suggest progressive degradation of critical systems, though some issues (e.g., tyre bulges, oil leaks) reappeared despite prior fixes. The trend shows no clear improvement , with repeated warnings about brake, steering, and suspension integrity . The vehicle’s low mileage (102,930 miles over 28 years) implies infrequent use or long periods of inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion, fluid degradation, and component stiffness. While lower mileage might suggest less wear on moving parts, the history indicates underlying structural and mechanical vulnerabilities that may not align with typical age-related deterioration.