2005 Renault Kangoo 1.5L Diesel · AV05 AEA

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical failures and a lack of proactive upkeep. While the most recent test on 13 March 2025 at 67,424 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed just three days prior at 67,423 miles. That failure highlighted several significant issues, including an inoperative engine malfunction lamp, a missing steering rack gaiter, and a passenger door that could not be opened from the outside. The persistence of exhaust leaks, which have appeared in almost every test since 2021, indicates a long-term issue that has shifted from minor to major and back to minor without a definitive permanent repair. The vehicle has covered 67,424 miles over 21 years, averaging approximately 3,211 miles per year. This low annual mileage suggests the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals. The MOT history confirms this pattern, with multiple entries for perishing tyres and failing windscreen washers. The mileage accumulation is slow and consistent, but the frequency of failures suggests that the low usage has not prevented, and may have even contributed to, the deterioration of consumable parts and secondary systems. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension systems. The records show a history of worn ball joints and damaged steering rack gaiters, specifically noted in the December 2023 and March 2025 tests. The braking system also requires scrutiny; the tester flagged an excessively binding offside rear brake in August 2022 and ABS component damage in September 2021. Given the recurring exhaust gas leaks and the recent engine management lamp failure, a specialist should verify the integrity of the exhaust manifold and the health of the engine's electronic control systems. The intermittent nature of the failures, such as the windscreen washer and lighting issues, suggests a general lack of basic preventative maintenance. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the history of structural component wear and electrical malfunctions implies that the owner has typically addressed faults only when they reach the point of MOT failure. Careful attention should be paid to any signs of corrosion or perished rubber seals that may have resulted from the vehicle's low-use driving profile.