2017 Dodge Journey 3.6L Petrol · AE17 CSX

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 28 January 2026, resulted in a Pass, though it was accompanied by one minor windscreen damage item and four advisories that warrant attention. These advisories include a nearside front outer tyre with slight sidewall damage and another nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, together with two separate advisories noting oil leaks that were not deemed excessive at the time of testing. Looking at the broader three-year trend from 2024 through 2026, the maintenance picture is showing mild but progressive deterioration. The 2023 test was entirely clean, but each subsequent test has carried an increasing number of advisories covering tyres, suspension bushes, brake pads, coolant level, and now oil leaks. While none of these have yet warranted a failure, the accumulating pattern suggests the vehicle is entering a phase where multiple consumable and wear-and-tear items are coming due for renewal, and a prospective buyer should anticipate near-term servicing costs. The recorded mileage of 97,183 miles across a nine-year lifespan equates to approximately 10,800 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates regular, ordinary use rather than long periods of standing or excessive high-mileage accumulation. There is a notable gap in MOT history between August 2017 and January 2023, with no recorded tests during that interval, though this is consistent with the vehicle having been registered as new in 2017 and not requiring an MOT until its fourth anniversary. The consistent year-on-year mileage implied by the later tests suggests steady utilisation rather than heavy motorway commuting, which is generally favourable for component longevity. At this mileage and age, however, the major drivetrain and suspension items will inevitably be approaching the second half of their service life, so prudent inspection is essential. The recurring advisory concerning the nearside rear lower suspension arm outer bush, recorded in both 2024 and 2025, is the most mechanically significant recurring item. Bushes of this type degrade gradually, and the test notes confirm wear but not yet excessive movement. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear suspension when traversing speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or potholes, and pay particular attention to any vagueness in the rear handling or uneven rear tyre wear, which would indicate the bush has progressed to the point of requiring replacement. Given the recurring nature of this advisory over two consecutive tests, renewal of the rear lower arm bush should be factored into any offer, and a physical inspection of the bush for cracking, perishing, or visible deflection under load is strongly recommended. The brake pad advisories from early 2025 indicate that both front pads were wearing thin at the last test, meaning replacement is highly likely to be due imminently, particularly given a further year of mileage has elapsed. On a test drive, listen for any metallic scraping or squealing under braking, and check for brake shudder or pulling to one side, which could suggest uneven wear or a binding caliper. The tyre advisories from 2024 and 2026 indicate a pattern of edge wear and sidewall vulnerability, suggesting a possible tracking or alignment issue, or simply suspension geometry being affected by the worn bush noted above; an alignment check should be considered when new tyres are fitted. The oil leak advisories, being recorded twice in the latest test, should be investigated to identify whether the source is a valve cover gasket, sump plug, or other accessible seal, as prolonged leakage can lead to low oil levels and accelerated engine wear. Additionally, the coolant level advisory from 2024 warrants verification that the system has been properly pressure-tested and that there is no underlying head gasket or radiator concern. Finally, given the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should also inspect the condition of the 12V battery, check for age-related perishing of all tyres including the spare, examine brake discs for corrosion or lipping from standing, and confirm that timing belt or chain service intervals, along with all fluid changes including brake fluid and coolant, are documented in the service history.