2012 Ssangyong Korando 2.0L Diesel · FN62 AET

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 July 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents the strongest possible outcome for a fourteen year old vehicle and suggests the owner acted decisively on prior advisories. However, the overall trend in the recent history is mixed rather than consistently improving. The March 2026 retest passed but retained two advisories relating to a deteriorated front registration plate and play in the steering rack inner joint, both of which were originally logged during the earlier failure on the same date. That earlier test also produced dangerous failures for both rear tyres being below the legal 1.6mm tread threshold, alongside an advisory for nearside front tyre perishing. Looking back further, the February 2025 test failed on three major items including an inoperative registration plate lamp, an offside front suspension arm ball joint with a perished dust cover, and a worn central prop shaft bearing, both of which indicate mechanical wear developing in the drivetrain and front suspension. The recurrence of steering rack play across three consecutive tests is the most persistent concern and warrants close scrutiny. Recorded mileage of 50,094 miles over fourteen years equates to approximately 3,578 miles per annum, which is substantially below the national average and suggests either light private use, periods of extended standing, or a combination of both. While low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch, it introduces its own set of age-related degradation risks. Tyre sidewall perishing, brake disc surface corrosion from infrequent use, binding or seized brake calipers, deterioration of rubber suspension bushes, and 12V battery failure from irregular charging cycles are all characteristic of vehicles that spend long periods stationary. Given the March 2026 dangerous tyre failures on the rear axle, age-related rubber degradation appears to have already manifested on this Korando, reinforcing the need for a thorough age-focused inspection rather than a purely mileage-based one. Given the recurring steering rack inner joint play, a prospective buyer should arrange a thorough test drive on varied road surfaces, listening specifically for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over bumps, uneven or vague steering response, and any vibration or free play detectable through the steering wheel. On inspection, the rack should be examined for any signs of weeping hydraulic fluid, perished gaiters, or excessive movement when the steering is loaded. The earlier prop shaft bearing failure is also a significant item; during a test drive, listen for a rhythmic knocking or rumbling from beneath the vehicle that changes with engine speed and road load, particularly on drive take-up, as a renewed prop shaft bearing or universal joint failure would be an expensive rectification. The offside rear seat belt anchorage corrosion advisory should be physically examined to ensure it has not progressed beyond surface corrosion into structural weakening, and the offside front suspension ball joint dust cover should be inspected for fresh perishing or grease loss. Beyond the recorded defects, a vehicle of this age and low usage profile demands attention to time-served components regardless of mileage. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing, particularly on the inner shoulders which are less visible, and the production date code on each sidewall verified to ensure none are older than around six years. Brake discs should be checked for severe edge corrosion, pitting, or any binding caliper symptoms such as one wheel running noticeably hotter than the others after a short drive. The 12V battery should be load tested, as standing vehicles frequently suffer premature battery failure, and the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be assessed for degradation, with brake fluid ideally replaced every two years irrespective of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature. Finally, the underside should be examined on a ramp for any fresh corrosion, exhaust integrity, and signs of oil or fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, and rear differential, given the Korando's four-wheel drive drivetrain layout. A pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage would be strongly advisable.