2008 Maserati Quattroporte 4.2L Petrol · WX57 UGC

Brake wear emerges as the most prominent recurring theme in the MOT record, with advisories in 2017 noting rusted front and rear discs and a 2019 notice that both pads and discs were low and pitted. The latest test on 17 July 2026 passed without any recorded defects, indicating that no new failures have been logged since those earlier brake‑related advisories and that the car has, to date, avoided outright non‑compliance. At 38,097 mi recorded over an 18‑year span the average annual accumulation is roughly 2,100 mi, well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The low mileage suggests the car has spent considerable periods idle, which can preserve wear‑items such as engine internals but may also allow rubber components, seals and bushings to age without the benefit of regular movement. The MOT history shows no large gaps in testing, with annual checks maintained, so any deterioration from inactivity is likely to be gradual rather than sudden. When inspecting the braking system, verify pad thickness visually and feel for any pedal pulsation or sponginess under moderate braking; listen for squeal or grinding that could indicate disc surface degradation beyond the earlier pitting noted in 2019. Examine the discs for surface rust or scoring, especially where the 2017 advisory highlighted corrosion, and confirm that the calipers move freely without binding. Tyre condition should be checked for uneven wear patterns—particularly inner‑edge wear on the front tyre noted in 2016 and rear tread depths that approach the legal minimum (4.1 mm). Look for sidewall cracks, bulges or loss of grip, and ensure that tyre pressures are stable when the car is warm. The 2024 advisory about engine‑bay covers obscuring components warrants a visual inspection of the engine compartment once the covers are removed, checking for any fluid leaks, cracked hoses or corroded mounting points that may have been hidden. While no suspension or structural advisories appear in the MOT history, a road‑test should include listening for knocks over bumps, feeling for any steering pull, and confirming that the suspension bushes and coil springs show no excessive play or creak. Finally, given the vehicle’s low‑use profile, a thorough assessment of under‑body corrosion—particularly around the chassis rails and subframe—will help determine whether prolonged storage has compromised structural integrity.