Annoying rattle developing on the tintop's suspension, a quick investigation revealed anti-roll bar link was goosed. It was renewed 9 months ago and the car was not used for 2 months over the worst of the winter so really only 6,000 miles over 7 months.
It was bought in a hurry off ebay.
The link on the other side was renewed at the same time but was from my usual motor factor (Andrew Watt of Glasgow) and is as new.

[Edited on 30/6/15 by britishtrident]

Yeah, not a surprise really. I bought some bottom ball joints from eurocarparts and they lasted <12 months.Bought one from local motor factors - different make - again just over 12 months. Had to do the same again to get through MOT in a rush but it seems cheap ones are total tat. What I found interesting was that ECP now offers two sizes of ball for the same part.
To be fair, Glasgow roads are such a joke it's probably an accelerated wear test.

[Edited on 30/6/15 by coyoteboy]

I bought a pair of £40 ball joints for my Bongo from Ebay. The rubbers perished within three months and the joints were knocking at 5 months. The company wanted me to send them back for them to inspect. I posted up a youtube clip for them to see and sent them a link. The clip had their name on it......... They sent me a full refund. I then fitted the old balljoints but with new rubber boots and they were still on the vehicle when I sold it 20,000 miles later.