2008 Renault Kangoo 1.5L Diesel · MM08 SSK

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 August 2026 resulted in a failed MOT outcome, with a particularly concerning combination of defects classified as Dangerous, Major, and structural in nature. The Dangerous failures relate to the nearside front tyre, where both the tread depth was measured below the statutory 1.6mm minimum and the ply or cords were exposed, indicating the tyre was completely beyond any safe service life. Major defects were also recorded against an offside front constant velocity joint boot that had split and was no longer preventing dirt ingress, together with severely corroded brake pipes affecting both rear centre pipes and the nearside front line. Looking at the broader pattern, the vehicle has alternated between pass and fail outcomes across the last three years, and the 2022 advisory concerning front brake pads wearing thin, combined with repeated nearside and offside front tyre edge wear advisories, suggests a recurring pattern of steering geometry, suspension, or brake-related wear that has now culminated in significant safety defects at the most recent test. The maintenance trend is therefore best described as worsening, and the car should not be considered roadworthy in its current state until these issues have been professionally rectified. With a recorded mileage of 120,729 miles over approximately eighteen years, this Renault Kangoo averages around 6,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and category and is consistent with the steady annual test entries seen across the MOT history. There is no evidence of either prolonged standing periods that would normally encourage severe corrosion of undersealed components and brake calipers, nor of unusually high annual mileage that would accelerate wear on the clutch, drivetrain, and major service items. The MOT record itself shows no significant gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use throughout its life, which is generally favourable from a fluid degradation, battery health, and brake seizure standpoint. For a prospective buyer, the most immediate and serious concerns centre on the braking system. The presence of excessively corroded brake pipes at both rear centre locations and at the nearside front is a significant structural and safety issue, as corroded pipework is prone to sudden leakage and brake failure under hydraulic pressure, and replacement work will require inspection of the full brake line circuit, likely including flexible hoses, calipers, and the master cylinder for similar age-related corrosion. Any test drive should include several firm pedal applications from speed to confirm a firm, high pedal with no sponginess, warning lights, or fluid seepage under the car after the exercise, and the buyer should budget for a complete brake hydraulic overhaul. The constant velocity boot failure is also critical, as a split boot will rapidly contaminate the joint with grit and water, leading to complete drive shaft failure if not replaced immediately; listen for clicking or clicking under load on full lock, and inspect for fresh grease around the offside front inner joint area. Further inspection should focus on the steering and suspension, given that both front track rod ends were replaced under the 2022 advisories and a front brake pad advisory was issued at the same time, indicating a pattern of front-end wear. The buyer should jack the vehicle and check for any vertical play or roughness in the front strut top mounts, condition of the lower suspension bushes, and condition of the anti-roll bar drop links, which are known wear items on this platform. The nearside front tyre advisory history across 2021 and 2022, now culminating in dangerous cord exposure, strongly suggests persistent wheel alignment issues, possibly tracking misalignment or worn front suspension geometry, and a four-wheel alignment check with new tyres all round should be factored into any purchase decision. Beyond the immediate MOT failures, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants comprehensive checks of the timing belt replacement interval (typically due every five years or 60,000 miles on Renault petrol units), coolant and brake fluid renewal by date rather than mileage due to their hygroscopic nature, the 12V battery which is likely well beyond its service life, and a thorough examination of the undercarriage and sill areas for any structural corrosion that may be progressing independently of the brake line defects already identified.