2009 Ssangyong Rexton 2.7L Diesel · EU09 EZB

The vehicle’s roadworthiness trend is critically unstable, with repeated failures in core mechanical and safety systems despite a clean pass just three months ago. The December 2025 test at 87,361 miles passed without defects, yet the October 2025 failure—just two months earlier—revealed severe suspension and brake issues: binding rear brakes (preventing performance testing), a near-detached rear upper suspension arm pin/bush, and a detached track rod end ball joint. These are not minor wear items but structural and dynamic failures that compromise handling and safety. The fact that the same track rod end was flagged in July 2024 (with a damaged but functional dust cover) suggests chronic neglect of steering geometry, while the rear suspension and brake faults indicate either deferred repairs or repeated abuse. A vehicle failing twice in 12 months on such fundamental components—especially one as old as this 2009 Rexton—demands immediate professional inspection before any purchase. Mileage accumulation is unusually low for its age, averaging just over 5,100 miles per year since 2023, which may reflect light use or prolonged periods of disuse. The gap between the May 2023 pass (68,128 miles) and the July 2024 tests (72,889 miles) spans nearly 14 months with no recorded MOT, raising questions about whether the vehicle was driven minimally or stored for extended periods. The lack of mileage alone doesn’t excuse the suspension and brake failures, however; these are not wear items that degrade slowly with inactivity but rather components that either failed suddenly or were ignored during prior ownership. The most recent 4,472 miles (from July 2024 to December 2025) saw two MOTs—one pass, one fail—suggesting the issues emerged or worsened in that short window, possibly due to a single incident or cumulative stress. Any prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, focusing on the track rod end ball joints, rear upper suspension arm, and coil springs for signs of detachment, corrosion, or excessive wear. The rear brakes were flagged for binding in October 2025, which could indicate seized calipers, warped discs, or failed brake hardware—all of which require immediate attention. Structural integrity should also be checked, particularly around the rear suspension mounts and subframe, as detached bushes or pins can lead to sudden loss of control. Electrical faults—such as the inoperative stop lamp and dipped beam—are less critical but indicate potential wiring or bulb neglect. Given the history of deferred repairs, the vehicle’s value hinges on whether these issues are cosmetic oversights or symptoms of deeper mechanical decay. Without proof of recent, competent rectification, this Rexton presents a high-risk proposition.