2002 MG TF 1.8L Petrol · WC02 ARL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the most recent inspection indicates a slight decline in condition after several years of clean records. The test on 17 June 2026 at 32,688 miles identified two defects: a minor exhaust leak at the flange to the backbox and perished or cracking on both front tyres. These issues represent a departure from the perfect records seen between 2023 and 2025, where the car passed with no recorded defects. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,362 miles per year. Between April 2023 and April 2024, the car covered only 1,000 miles, suggesting long periods of stationary or very infrequent use. While low mileage reduces mechanical wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components. The perished front tyres noted in the 2026 test are a direct consequence of this pattern, as rubber dries out over time regardless of distance driven. A buyer must physically inspect the exhaust system to determine if the leak at the flange is simple surface corrosion or structural cracking of the backbox itself. Given the vehicle's age and the mention of heavy undersealing in the latest report, a thorough check of the sills and rear subframe mounting points is essential. Undersealing can hide advanced structural rust that remains undetected beneath the surface. The buyer should also check for seized brake calipers and perished bushings, as low-mileage vehicles are prone to brake corrosion and rubber failure when not driven regularly.