2016 Renault Kadjar 1.5L Diesel · OV66 YFO

The most recent DVSA test on 25 June 2026 recorded a pass, albeit with an advisory that an under‑tray has been fitted, and a separate failure for the front windscreen washer jets being mis‑aligned and unable to deliver sufficient fluid. Earlier in the same year a failure was logged for the front windscreen wiper not clearing the glass effectively. Over the past five years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring minor advisories – tyre sidewall cracking and perishing on all four wheels, a near‑limit tread depth on the nearside front tyre, and thin front brake pads noted in 2021 – but no major safety‑critical failures. The trend suggests a generally stable maintenance record punctuated by periodic wear‑related items that have been addressed, rather than a progressive deterioration. At 133,966 mi the Kadjar averages roughly 13,400 mi per annum, which is above the typical UK usage of around 8‑10 000 mi per year for a family SUV. This level of mileage indicates a relatively high amount of engine, transmission and suspension wear for a ten‑year‑old vehicle. There is no evidence of long periods of inactivity, so the wear is likely to be cumulative rather than the result of standing‑time corrosion alone. The mileage also means consumables such as drive belts, coolant hoses and the timing belt (if fitted) may be approaching the end of their service intervals and should be inspected for signs of cracking or excessive stretch. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition. All four tyres have been flagged for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is a time‑related degradation that can accelerate with high mileage and exposure to heat. Verify that the tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm on all tyres, check for uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes, and inspect the sidewalls for dry rot, bulges or hard cracks. The washer jet mis‑alignment and ineffective wiper noted in the latest MOT suggest the washer system may still be compromised; confirm that the jets spray a full, even pattern and that the wiper blade makes firm, noise‑free contact across the entire glass surface. A weak washer system can mask cracks or chips on the windscreen, so a visual inspection of the glass for any damage is advisable. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a comprehensive mechanical check is prudent. Examine the front brake discs for scoring, glazing or excessive rust, and confirm that the pads have been replaced since the 2021 thin‑pad advisory – a typical brake pad life at this mileage is around 30‑40 000 mi. Listen for clunks or squeaks from the suspension while driving over bumps, which may reveal worn coil‑spring mounts, ball joints or deteriorated rubber bushes. Inspect the under‑tray for corrosion or damage, as it can affect exhaust routing and rear‑wheel bearing protection. The 12 V battery is likely approaching the end of its service life; a load test or voltage check at rest and under load will reveal its capacity. Finally, ensure that time‑based fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed within the manufacturers’ recommended intervals, typically every 12‑24 months, as fluid degradation can lead to seal failure and reduced component longevity.