2016 Renault Kadjar 1.5L Diesel · LG56 AAA

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in June 2026, although this was only achieved following a failure that included a dangerous defect regarding rear brake pad thickness. When reviewing the three-year history, there is a concerning trend of reactive maintenance. The progression from a brake disc advisory in 2024 to a major failure for severe corrosion in 2025, followed by a dangerous failure for worn pads and a worn suspension ball joint in 2026, indicates that critical wear items are being neglected until they become legal failures. This suggests the vehicle has not been maintained to a preventative standard. The recorded mileage of 65,810 miles is considered typical for a ten-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,581 miles per year. This level of usage generally avoids the pitfalls of excessive wear associated with high-mileage fleet cars, while also avoiding the degradation often found in vehicles that have stood idle for long periods. However, at this age and mileage, the vehicle is entering a phase where rubber components, such as suspension bushes and engine mounts, naturally perish, and drivetrain consumables require systematic replacement. During a test drive, particular attention must be paid to the braking system and front suspension. Given the history of severe disc corrosion and recent pad replacement, listen for any grinding noises and feel for brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal, which could indicate uneven wear or poor-quality replacement parts. The recent failure of the nearside lower suspension arm ball joint should be scrutinized; listen for metallic clunks or knocks when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring, as this can signal that other suspension components are similarly worn. Beyond the MOT records, a physical inspection should focus on age-related degradation. Examine the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, which occurs regardless of tread depth on older vehicles. Verify the service history to determine if oil and filter changes have been performed on a calendar basis, as the reactive nature of the MOT repairs suggests the service book may be incomplete. Finally, check for any signs of binding calipers or surface corrosion on the brake discs if the car has been stationary for several weeks prior to viewing.