2018 Ssangyong Korando 2.2L Diesel · AV68 AAF

The 2018 SsangYong Korando most recently passed its DVSA MOT inspection on 20 June 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing a consistent pattern of clean test outcomes stretching back through 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021. Across five consecutive annual tests, the vehicle has demonstrated no recorded mechanical, structural, or emissions concerns, which suggests either diligent preventative maintenance or a generally sound operating condition. While the absence of advisories is reassuring on the surface, it is worth noting that some MOT defects, particularly those relating to early-stage suspension wear or minor fluid seepage, are only flagged when an examiner observes them; a clean record does not entirely preclude underlying wear. Overall, however, the trend is stable and unremarkable, indicating that the vehicle has not been presenting any progressively worsening issues during routine annual inspection. With a recorded mileage of 80,995 miles over approximately eight years, this Korando is averaging around 10,124 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There is no evidence in the MOT history of unusually low or erratic mileage patterns, and the absence of any mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Consistent annual usage of this level tends to keep mechanical components, particularly the engine, transmission, and brakes, in a healthier working state than low-mileage equivalents that may suffer from seized components, dried seals, and degraded fluids through lack of use. The mileage is sufficient to have warranted replacement of several consumables such as brake pads, brake discs, tyres, and possibly the timing or auxiliary belts, so evidence of recent servicing and component renewal should be verified during any purchase inspection. Given the clean MOT history, physical inspection should focus on age and mileage-related deterioration rather than any specific flagged defects. Tyres should be examined carefully for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can develop over time regardless of tread depth, and the manufacturing date code on the sidewall should be checked to ensure the tyres are not excessively old even if unworn. Brake discs, particularly on a vehicle that sees mixed urban and rural use, may exhibit corrosion ridges around the outer edge or binding calipers from infrequent heavy braking, so the wheels should be inspected for uneven component wear and the brakes tested for shudder or pulling under firm application. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested if possible, as batteries beyond five years of age frequently show diminished cranking performance, particularly in vehicles with multiple electronic control units typical of modern SsangYong products. Fluid servicing and mechanical integrity checks are equally important despite the unremarkable MOT record. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade over time on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, so documentation confirming recent fluid changes should be requested and any service book stamps cross-referenced with the recorded odometer readings. Under-bonnet inspection should look for signs of oil seepage around the cam covers, valve cover gaskets, and turbocharger pipework, as well as the condition of ancillary drive belts and coolant hoses, which become brittle with age. On a road test, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or coil spring seats, and pay attention to the steering for any vagueness or knocking that could indicate worn track rod ends. Finally, verify that the diesel particulate filter, if fitted, has been regularly completing regeneration cycles through sustained driving, as short urban journeys can lead to DPF saturation over the vehicle's lifetime.