2019 Ssangyong Musso 2.2L Diesel · B20 PBA

The most recent MOT, dated 21 January 2026, was passed but carried three advisories: front brake pads approaching the minimum thickness, and slight play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints. Over the preceding twelve months the vehicle has shown a consistent pattern of advisories centred on brake wear, with a single failure in early 2024 caused by an ineffective parking brake and rear pads below the legal limit. The trend is therefore mildly deteriorating; while the car has remained road‑legal, the recurrence of brake‑related advisories and the emergence of suspension ball‑joint play indicate that wear items are approaching the end of their service life and will likely require replacement in the near term. At seven years old the Musso has logged 115,961 miles, equating to roughly 16,500 miles per annum – well above the typical UK average of 8‑10 000 miles per year. This level of utilisation suggests a relatively high duty cycle, possibly involving frequent long‑distance or heavy‑load driving. The mileage density accelerates wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension bushings, and can also hasten engine oil and coolant degradation. No significant mileage gaps appear in the MOT record, implying continuous use rather than prolonged periods of storage, which would otherwise raise concerns about corrosion or battery ageing. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. Inspect the front and rear pads for remaining thickness – the legal minimum is 1.5 mm, and the advisories indicate they are already thin. Look for any pulsation, shudder or increased stopping distances during a test drive, especially under moderate braking, as these can signal warped discs or uneven pad wear. The parking brake should be tested for firm hold; a weak handbrake may stem from stretched cables or seized rear calipers, both of which can be costly to rectify. The ball‑joint play noted on both front lower arms should be checked by applying lateral force to the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or excessive movement suggests the joints are nearing the end of their service interval and will need replacement to maintain precise steering response and avoid premature tyre wear. In addition to the brake and suspension items, examine the rear coil springs for corrosion, as noted in the 2023 advisories; surface rust is common on older SUVs but deep pitting can weaken spring integrity and lead to uneven ride height. Verify tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related brittleness, especially given the high mileage and potential for uneven wear from the slightly worn ball joints. A battery that has been in service for more than four years should be load‑tested, and all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – should be checked for colour and contamination, with a view to replacing them if they have not been serviced within the manufacturer’s time intervals. Finally, confirm that the service history is complete and that any major components such as the timing chain or transmission have received the recommended inspections, as the vehicle’s mileage and age place it at a stage where preventative maintenance can avert costly breakdowns.