2000 Rover 45 1.8L Petrol · W912 AOG

The Rover 45 presents a complex maintenance profile typical of a low-mileage vehicle that has undergone long periods of inactivity. The most recent test in June 2026 at 57,781 miles secured a pass but introduced several advisories that indicate developing age-related degradation. The tester flagged perishing and cracking on all four tyres, which is a direct consequence of rubber hardening over decades without regular use. Additionally, the front brake discs are showing signs of wear, and the rear anti-roll bar bushes are worn. While these issues did not cause a failure, they suggest that the components are now reaching the end of their effective service life. The mileage history is exceptionally low for a 26-year-old car, averaging approximately 2,200 miles per year. However, the significant gap in usage between 2019 and 2023, where the car covered only 240 miles in four years, explains the mechanical inconsistencies observed. The failure in August 2023 at 39,484 miles revealed an excessively binding front brake and an ABS fault, both of which are symptoms of vehicles that sit stationary while brake calipers seize and sensors fail. The subsequent pass in 2025 with no defects suggests these issues were addressed, but the return of brake wear in 2026 indicates the system is now requiring more frequent attention. A pattern of uneven tyre wear persists throughout the record, with entries in 2017 and 2018 specifically noting inner-edge wear on the front. This points to a persistent alignment issue or worn suspension geometry that has not been fully rectified. A buyer should carefully inspect the structural integrity of the chassis for corrosion, as low-mileage older cars often hide hidden rust from moisture retention during storage. While the car remains currently roadworthy, the transition from clean tests to multiple mechanical and rubber advisories shows that the vehicle is entering a phase where age-related component failure outpaces mileage-based wear.