2018 Jeep Compass 1.4L Petrol · A22 JAP

A consistent pattern of tyre wear advisories across multiple MOT tests forms the most prominent mechanical theme in this Jeep Compass's history, with the offside rear tyre flagged in both 2023 and 2025 and the nearside rear showing cracking in 2025, while the most recent test on 14 January 2026 added a nearside front tyre worn down to 2mm on the inner edge alongside a note that the front brake discs are worn though not excessively. Each annual inspection since 2022 has returned a pass certificate with no failures recorded, indicating that the vehicle remains roadworthy, but the recurring advisory items suggest a chassis that may be imposing abnormal loading on its tyres, whether through alignment geometry, suspension geometry, or uneven damper performance. The absence of any structural corrosion, brake pipe, or exhaust advisories over the entire testing period is reassuring, pointing to a chassis and underbody that have held up well in service. With 54,516 miles accumulated over eight years, this Compass averages approximately 6,800 miles annually, a figure broadly typical for its age and indicative of steady mixed-use rather than long periods of inactivity or excessive high-mileage accumulation. The MOT testing pattern shows annual entries from 2022 onwards with no significant gaps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous service rather than being laid up for extended stretches, which is beneficial for components such as brake callipers, suspension bushes, and drivetrain seals that can seize or degrade when a vehicle stands unused. The mileage progression across the recorded tests is consistent with the annual average, with no sudden jumps that might suggest a discrepancy or a change in usage pattern. The rear seats were noted as folded at the 2023 test, which has no mechanical bearing but confirms the vehicle was presented in normal operational condition. For a prospective buyer, the principal items to scrutinise on inspection and during a test drive centre on the advisories already recorded. The front brake discs should be measured for remaining thickness and checked for lipping or scoring on both faces, as the January 2026 advisory suggests they are approaching the point at which replacement will become due; any grinding, vibration through the pedal, or pulling to one side under braking would confirm accelerated wear. The tyre wear pattern, particularly the 2mm inner edge wear on the nearside front flagged in 2026, warrants a careful check of the front suspension geometry, including the condition of the track rod ends, ball joints, anti-roll bar bushes, and wishbone bushes, as uneven inner or outer edge wear is often a symptom of misalignment or worn suspension components rather than simply age. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, pay particular attention to whether the steering pulls to one side or exhibits a wandering feel, and feel for vibration through the wheel between 50 and 70 mph which can indicate warped front discs. Finally, inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, confirm they are of matching makes and tread depths, and check the sidewalls for the perishing and cracking noted on the rear pair in 2025, replacing any tyres older than five years regardless of remaining tread.