2009 Chevrolet Captiva 2.0L Diesel · LT09 AOS

The 2009 Chevrolet Captiva holds a valid MOT issued on 16 June 2025 at 85,585 miles. That most recent test passed, yet it still carried three advisories: an oil leak, rear sub-frame corrosion, and worn or pitted rear brake discs. The maintenance trend is broadly stable rather than resolving. The same rear sub-frame corrosion has appeared in every test since at least June 2023, and oil seepage or minor leaks have been noted repeatedly. Nothing in the record suggests these underlying issues have been properly rectified; they have simply remained below the failure threshold. The mileage progression tells an unusual story. Between 7 June 2024 at 72,528 miles and 11 June 2025 at 85,577 miles, the car covered roughly 13,049 miles in one year. That is a sharp jump compared with the earlier pattern of about 9,000 miles per year between June 2023 and June 2024, and far above the 5,000-mile annual average suggested by the total. Such a spike can indicate a change of use, a long-standing trip, or a correction of previously under-recorded mileage. Whatever the cause, the sudden increase puts extra load on components that had been seeing relatively gentle use, particularly the exhaust system and suspension bushes. A buyer should focus on the underside and the exhaust. The rear sub-frame has been flagged as corroded at every test since June 2023, and the record notes corrosion on rear lower suspension arms as well. While testers have not deemed it seriously weakened so far, the persistence suggests ongoing exposure to moisture and salt without adequate protection. The front exhaust flexi section has leaked at every test since June 2023, and in June 2023 a rear back box detachment caused a major leak and an emissions failure. That rear section may have been repaired, but the front flexi leak remains unresolved. Have a mechanic inspect the full exhaust for hairline cracks, loose clamps, and signs of temporary patching. The suspension and brakes also warrant close attention. A fractured offside rear coil spring caused a failure in June 2023; if replaced, confirm it was done as an axle pair. Front lower suspension arm ball joints and wishbone bushes have worn repeatedly, and the rear brake discs were flagged as worn and pitted in the most recent test. Jack the vehicle and check for play in the front wishbones, inner bushings, and ball joints, and measure rear disc thickness and run-out. The repeated power steering seepage, noted as slight since June 2023, suggests a slow rack or hose leak that may now be more advanced after the higher recent mileage.