2016 Renault Kadjar 1.5L Diesel · OU66 VVC

The most recent MOT test conducted in November 2025 resulted in a pass, although it noted that the rear brake pads are wearing thin. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend appears stable but suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to consumables. There is a notable history of tyre neglect, including a dangerous failure in 2021 and subsequent advisories regarding tread depth and edge wear through 2023. While the vehicle consistently passes its tests, the emergence of rubber deterioration in the suspension components indicates that the car is now entering a phase where age-related wear is becoming more prominent than mileage-related wear. The recorded mileage of 50,675 miles over a ten-year period is exceptionally low, averaging roughly 5,068 miles per year. While this implies significantly less wear on the internal engine components and the gearbox, such low usage can be a double-edged sword. Vehicles that spend long periods standing are often more susceptible to the perishing of rubber seals, the degradation of battery health, and the accumulation of surface corrosion on brake discs. The mechanical implications here shift from drivetrain fatigue to the degradation of components that fail due to time and environmental exposure rather than operational stress. During a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the braking system and front suspension. The advisory for thin rear brake pads suggests an impending replacement is required; listen for any grinding noises or feel for a lack of bite during deceleration. More critically, the deteriorated dust cover on the offside front suspension arm ball joint must be inspected. If the seal has fully failed, the joint will lose lubrication and succumb to road grit, which typically manifests as a distinct clunking or knocking sound when navigating bumps or turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, a comprehensive physical inspection is necessary beyond the MOT records. Check all tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres can become unsafe due to age even if the tread depth remains legal. Verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other essential fluids have been changed according to calendar intervals rather than mileage, as stagnant fluids can degrade and lead to internal sludge. Finally, inspect the brake calipers for binding and the battery for signs of age-related failure, as these are common points of weakness in vehicles with infrequent usage profiles.