2018 Vauxhall Grandland 1.2L Petrol · FP67 LCM

The vehicle's most recent MOT test on 20 April 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a prior failure on the same date was rectified. The failure cited a nearside front suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn, an offside front suspension arm bush advisory, and a nearside front headlamp aim defect. The subsequent pass retained only the offside front suspension arm advisory, indicating the nearside component was replaced while the offside was judged acceptable at the time. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle passed cleanly in 2021 and 2025, with only minor advisories in 2022, 2023, and 2024 relating to tyre condition and a minor oil leak. The sudden appearance of significant suspension wear and a headlamp defect in 2026 suggests a deterioration rather than a stable pattern, and any prospective buyer should treat the suspension system as the primary area of concern requiring close physical inspection. At eight years old and 68,228 miles, the vehicle averages approximately 8,528 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular but modest daily use. There are no unusual gaps or spikes in the recorded mileage, suggesting the odometer reading is likely genuine and that the vehicle has not been subjected to extended periods of standing or conversely to high-stress motorway accumulation. This steady usage pattern should have allowed consumables such as brake pads, discs, and tyres to wear at a predictable rate, and the engine and drivetrain to have accumulated reasonable but not excessive internal wear. The lack of long idle periods reduces the likelihood of severe brake caliper seizure or severe underbody corrosion from inactivity, though the recent suspension failure indicates wear-related components are now reaching the end of their service life. Given the recurrence of suspension-related defects, the front suspension should be the foremost focus during any physical inspection. Request evidence of what work was carried out on the nearside arm and bush following the April 2026 failure, and confirm whether the offside component has since been addressed. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, and during full-lock manoeuvres, as worn bushes commonly produce such symptoms. Uneven tyre wear, particularly inner-edge wear on the front tyres, can also indicate compromised suspension geometry, so inspect the tyres carefully for feathering across the tread. The headlamp aim defect, while likely a simple adjustment, should be verified during a nighttime inspection or against a flat wall to ensure both beams are correctly aligned to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic and to avoid future MOT failure. Beyond the recorded defects, the advisories from earlier tests offer useful guidance. The 2023 oil leak advisory, described as not excessive, should be monitored for progression; check the engine bay and undertray for fresh oil residue and inspect the area beneath the vehicle when parked. The 2022 advisories concerning front tyres worn close to the legal limit and rear tyres with perishing suggest the vehicle may be due for a full tyre set if replacements have not already been completed, and at eight years of age the sidewalls should be examined for age-related cracking regardless of tread depth. Additionally, although no brake-related advisories are recorded, the brake discs and pads should be physically inspected for wear, as 68,228 miles is a point where front discs may require replacement. Verify the service history for timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery, all of which degrade with calendar age, and confirm that the timing chain or belt interval, depending on specification, has been respected according to manufacturer schedule.