2004 Rover 45 1.4L Petrol · RA04 FOV

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive preventative care. The most recent test in June 2025 at 93,352 miles identified a front service brake binding, which represents a slight regression from the 2023 test where the car passed with no recorded defects. While the vehicle has consistently passed its annual inspections, the recurring appearance of mechanical wear-related faults suggests that components are only being addressed once they approach or reach a failure threshold. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 93,352 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 4,243 miles per year. This low usage profile is evident across the records, particularly with only 2,629 miles driven between June 2024 and June 2025. However, low mileage on an older Rover often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and seals, which is evidenced by the split nearside drive shaft boot in 2023 and the persistent leak noted in 2022. A buyer must prioritise the structural integrity of the front subframe mounting areas, as the July 2022 test flagged corrosion in these specific zones. Although this was not considered excessive at the time, corrosion on these chassis tends to accelerate if left untreated on older vehicles. The binding front brake noted in 2025 also requires a physical inspection to ensure the caliper is not seized or the disc is not scoring unevenly. Furthermore, the history of uneven tyre wear on edges in 2022 and 2024 indicates potential alignment issues or worn suspension bushes that should be verified to prevent premature replacement of new tyres.