2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L Petrol · AM57 RYB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 7 March 2025, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering oil leakage, brake disc and pad condition, front shock absorber oil mist, and slight play in the off‑side front track‑rod end. Over the four‑year MOT record the pattern is consistent: the vehicle has repeatedly shown a small oil leak and a progression from rear brake disc wear to now also off‑side front disc wear, while the front suspension and steering joints have begun to exhibit minor oil mist and play. The trend is therefore mildly deteriorating, with wear items moving from advisory to advisory on additional components, indicating that the underlying maintenance regime is holding the vehicle just above the failure threshold but not addressing the emerging wear. At 119 000 miles recorded for a 2008 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6 600 miles per year, which sits squarely within normal UK usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious large gaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest prolonged periods of storage, nor is there evidence of high‑speed, high‑kilometre abuse. The moderate mileage means that major power‑train components such as the engine and transmission are unlikely to have reached the end of their design life, but the cumulative wear on consumables – brake discs, pads, suspension bushes and steering joints – is now approaching the point where replacement is advisable to maintain safety and reliability. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the brake system. The rear pads are already described as thin on both sides and the rear discs are pitted; the off‑side front disc now shows similar wear. On a test drive listen for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, especially under moderate to heavy braking, and feel for a spongy pedal that may indicate uneven pad wear or disc surface irregularities. It would be prudent to have the brake discs measured for thickness and the pads inspected; replacement of the thin rear pads and resurfacing or fitting new front and rear discs is likely required within the next few thousand miles. The front shock absorbers showing light oil mist suggest seal wear – a symptom that can manifest as reduced damping, increased body roll and clunking over bumps. Inspect the suspension for any excessive bounce or uneven tyre wear that would confirm deteriorating shock performance, and consider a full shock replacement if the vehicle is to be used regularly. Beyond the recorded advisories, age‑related checks are essential. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, as tyres over 10 years old can fail regardless of tread depth. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery; a load test will reveal whether it can still hold charge after 18 years. Inspect for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the rear axle and suspension mounting points, which can develop during long periods of standing. Check that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are at the correct specifications and consider a full fluid change if the service history is incomplete, as fluids degrade with time even when the vehicle is not driven heavily. A thorough visual inspection of the oil leak source, the condition of the track‑rod end ball joints and the cleanliness of the headlamp lenses will also give a clear picture of how well the vehicle has been maintained and what immediate remedial work may be required.