1998 Toyota Corolla 1.3L Petrol · S735 AWV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. While the latest test in December 2025 at 136,433 miles was a pass, it followed a failure just one day prior due to safety-critical mismatched tyres on the rear axle. The persistent presence of an oil leak in both December 2025 tests suggests an ongoing engine issue that the owner has deemed minor enough not to warrant an immediate MOT failure. At 136,433 miles over 28 years, this Corolla has averaged approximately 4,873 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average for its age. The data shows very low intervals of use, with only 1,875 miles covered between the December 2023 and December 2024 tests. However, low mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components rather than mechanical wear. This is evidenced by the perished nearside rear tyre and the worn suspension arm bushes noted in the 2024 record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and drivetrain components. The record shows a history of split CV joint boots and damaged track rod end covers, which can lead to rapid joint failure if not monitored. The worn front suspension arm bushes identified in late 2024 indicate that rubber components are reaching the end of their life due to age. Additionally, the source of the persistent oil leak should be identified to determine if it is a simple gasket or a more significant engine seal failure, as the leak remained present across multiple testing cycles.