2023 Ssangyong Rexton 2.2L Diesel · LR23 YCD

The defining mechanical event in this Rexton's recorded history is a brake-related dangerous failure that occurred at the 2026 test, which saw both front and rear brake pads recorded below the 1.5 mm minimum thickness and categorised as dangerous defects. The same test also failed on both front wiper blades failing to clear the windscreen effectively, with an advisory note issued for worn but not yet excessive front brake discs. The vehicle subsequently passed at a retest four days later on 2026-03-18 with no defects recorded, indicating that the pad replacement and wiper rectification were completed promptly, but the underlying mechanical story is one of consumable wear reaching an unsafe end-state rather than a clean, blemish-free record. Mileage of 38,017 against a 2023 registration equates to approximately 12,672 miles annually, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and points towards consistent, fairly heavy use. There is no period of significant off-road absence suggested by the test history, and the single MOT interaction recorded is consistent with the vehicle's first obligatory test at three years of age. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage places greater demand on brake friction material, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, coil springs, driveline couplings and the dual-mass flywheel if equipped, meaning that the brake pad wear observed aligns with what one would expect for a vehicle driven this hard, but it should prompt close scrutiny of the other wear-rate components that are not yet visible on the MOT record. Given the brake pad failure pattern, the front discs should be physically inspected for lip formation, hot spots, and minimum thickness, as the advisory note indicates they are already on their way to requiring replacement and the new pads will only bed in correctly against serviceable discs. The wiper failure on both sides is unusual in its symmetry and could indicate a linkage or motor issue rather than simple blade wear, so a functional check of the wiper mechanism, park position, and full sweep across the screen is worthwhile. On test drive, listen for any metallic grinding or squeal under light braking that would suggest pad material has migrated into the caliper or that the sliders have seized, and feel for pedal pulsation which would confirm disc runout beyond tolerance. The high annual mileage also warrants attention to items that do not appear on the MOT but suffer from accelerated wear at this rate, including the propshaft universal joints and centre bearing on this part-time four-wheel-drive platform, the rear leaf spring bushes, and the timing chain tensioner which is a known concern on the 2.2-litre diesel. During a test drive, listen for any clonking from the rear axle over bumps, check for wander or tramlining that might indicate worn steering or suspension linkages, and confirm that the four-wheel-drive system engages and disengages cleanly via the dashboard switch. A pre-purchase inspection raising the vehicle on a ramp would be advisable to verify that the recent brake work was carried out to a satisfactory standard and to inspect the underbody and chassis members for any early corrosion, particularly around the rear axle housing and spring mounts.