2018 Ssangyong Musso 2.2L Diesel · AV68 AAO

The MOT history for this SsangYong Musso presents a notably unusual testing pattern that warrants close attention. While the most recent pass on 14 November 2025 recorded no defects, and the vehicle also passed without advisories in November 2023 and November 2024, each of those successful tests was immediately preceded by a same-day failure at the same test centre. Two failures were recorded on 7 November 2023 and one on 11 November 2024, yet in every instance the DVSA database shows no defects recorded against these failed tests. This pattern suggests a retest scenario, where the vehicle may have initially failed on items that were either resolved quickly or required a non-recorded category of assessment, though the absence of documented defects means the specific mechanical reasons cannot be determined from the official record. Overall, the roadworthiness trend appears stable in terms of recorded defects, but the repeated same-day fail-and-pass sequence is an irregularity that should be questioned directly with the seller. With eight years on the road and 86,767 recorded miles, this Musso has accumulated approximately 10,800 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with average usage for its age bracket. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record over the recorded period, suggesting continuous use rather than prolonged periods off the road, and no sudden mileage jumps between tests that might indicate clock irregularities or inconsistent recording. For a vehicle of this type, typically used for light commercial or utility duties including towing and load carrying, this mileage level places moderate demands on consumables such as brake pads, discs, and clutch components, as well as suspension wear items like bushes and shock absorbers. The continuous annual testing with no recorded advisories is unusual for a working vehicle reaching this mileage, as most Musso and similar pick-ups at this age typically show at least minor advisories relating to tyre wear, brake component corrosion, or underbody surface rust. Given the lack of any documented advisories or recorded defects across all five test entries, there is no specific component history to guide a targeted inspection. However, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to areas commonly affected on Musso vehicles of this age and mileage. During a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which may indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, top mounts, or droplink articulations, and feel for vagueness in the steering that could point to wear in the power steering rack or tie rod ends. Inspect the rear leaf spring assemblies and their mounting points for cracked or shifted spring packs, particularly if the vehicle has been used for towing or carrying heavy loads, as this is a known wear area for pick-ups in this class. Check the condition of the brake pedal feel for any sponginess or excessive travel, which could indicate corrosion in the brake lines or caliper slide pins seizing, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline, as rear drum or caliper mechanisms on utility vehicles often corrode at the adjuster threads. Additional checks should focus on the underside of the vehicle where corrosion can develop on the chassis rails, fuel tank mounting straps, and exhaust mounting points, even on vehicles with relatively clean MOT records. Examine the bodywork around the load bed and wheel arches for bubbling paint or visible rust, which is common on commercial-style vehicles exposed to higher levels of road grime and moisture. On the test drive, ensure the transmission engages smoothly through all gears both warmed up and from cold, as any roughness or hesitation could indicate wear in the synchromesh or clutch components, and confirm that the four-wheel-drive system, if fitted, engages and disengages cleanly via any dashboard controls. Finally, request documentation confirming the timing belt replacement interval, as diesel Musso models typically require this service at manufacturer-specified intervals, and verify any records relating to recent fluid changes and underbody inspections, which would help confirm the mechanical condition behind the otherwise clean MOT record.