2007 Dodge (usa) Caliber 1.8L Petrol · CT07 BNB

The 2007 Dodge Caliber passed its most recent MOT on 7 January 2026 at 38,303 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is broadly stable rather than improving, with persistent corrosion and wear items recurring across multiple tests. The tester flagged heavily corroded rear shock absorbers and corroded rear suspension arms on both sides at the latest inspection, alongside worn front and rear brake discs and a slight corrosion on an offside rear brake pipe. These are not new problems. Rear suspension arm corrosion has appeared consistently since at least January 2024, and brake disc wear has been noted in both the December 2024 and January 2026 tests. The vehicle has not developed any dramatic new failure, but the same structural and braking issues are being monitored year after year rather than resolved, which suggests a pattern of minimal cosmetic or preventative repair rather than proactive component replacement. The mileage profile is notably low for a vehicle of this age. At 38,303 miles over roughly 19 years, the annual average sits at approximately 2,016 miles per year. The record shows 32,003 miles in January 2023, 34,323 miles in January 2024, 36,570 miles in December 2024, and 38,303 miles in January 2026, indicating a steady but modest accumulation of around 2,000 to 2,300 miles per year in recent use. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings that would suggest clocking or prolonged undocumented use. The low annual mileage does, however, mean the vehicle has likely spent extended periods stationary, which is a relevant factor when interpreting the corrosion found on rear suspension components and brake components, as standing vehicles are prone to surface rust accumulation on exposed metal parts. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and braking system during any in-person inspection. The repeated advisories on rear suspension arm corrosion, trailing arm bush wear, and heavily corroded rear shock absorbers point to an area of the vehicle that has been deteriorating gradually. While the corrosion has not yet been deemed serious enough to cause failure, the structural integrity of these components should be physically examined, particularly the rear trailing arms and hub areas where corrosion was specifically highlighted in January 2026. The rear brake pipe noted as slightly corroded and covered in grease or other material also warrants direct inspection, as corroded brake lines represent a potential future failure point if left unaddressed. The braking system more broadly deserves scrutiny. Both front and rear brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored across multiple consecutive tests, which on a low-mileage vehicle suggests the discs may have suffered from surface corrosion during standing periods rather than purely from friction wear. A nearside oil leak from the drive shaft seal has also persisted from the most recent test without being rectified. None of these items individually represent an immediate safety risk given the advisory rather than failure status, but collectively they paint a picture of a vehicle that has been kept roadworthy rather than properly maintained. Any pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough underbody examination focusing on suspension mounting points, brake line condition, and the extent of corrosion on exposed rear-end components.