2006 Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8L Diesel · OY06 FUG

The most recent MOT on 16 January 2023 was a pass, albeit with advisories that the nearside and off‑side front brake pads are approaching the minimum thickness and the service brake is just within the acceptable limit. Earlier in the record the vehicle failed in early 2022 because all four tyres were below the legal 1.6 mm tread depth and a front position lamp was out, but the subsequent MOTs in 2022 and 2023 have been clean aside from the brake‑pad wear notice. Prior to that the car had a mixture of passes with occasional advisories on steering rack play, leaf‑spring bush wear and pitted front disc surfaces, and a 2017 failure for indicator colour and a parking‑brake lever lacking reserve travel. Overall the trend is one of gradual improvement – the major safety failures have been addressed and the only remaining concerns are wear items that are expected on a vehicle of this age. At 114,783 mi recorded over roughly twenty years the average annual mileage works out at about 5,700 mi, which is well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of storage or very gentle driving, which can be beneficial for high‑wear components but can also allow age‑related deterioration to set in. The low mileage suggests that the drivetrain, transmission and engine internals may have relatively low cumulative wear, yet the vehicle’s age means that rubber components, seals, hoses and electrical connections are likely to have stiffened or cracked. Any significant gaps in the MOT record – for example, the absence of a test in 2020‑2021 for a full year – could indicate periods when the car was off the road, increasing the likelihood of corrosion on brake discs, suspension bushings and under‑body panels. When you inspect the car, start with the tyres. Even if the tread appears adequate, verify the DOT code to confirm the manufacture date; tyres older than six years can become brittle and develop sidewall cracks regardless of mileage. Look for any uneven wear patterns that might hint at mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or damaged rear leaf‑spring anchors, both of which have been flagged in past advisories. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking from the rear leaf springs, especially when traversing bumps, and feel for any looseness in the steering rack – a slight play was noted in several MOTs and can manifest as a vague wandering feel or a subtle knock when steering at low speeds. Check the front brake pedal for a firm, progressive feel; thin pads and pitted discs can cause pedal pulsation, increased stopping distances and a higher likelihood of brake fade, so ask the seller whether the pads have been replaced since the 2023 advisory and inspect the disc surfaces for deep scoring. Finally, confirm that all exterior lighting functions correctly, particularly the front position lamp that previously failed, and verify that the parking‑brake lever now offers sufficient travel. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and test the charge with a multimeter or a load tester, as a twenty‑year‑old battery will have lost capacity even with low mileage. Drain and replace the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid if they have not been serviced in the last 12 months, because fluids degrade with time and can lead to reduced lubrication, overheating or corrosion. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, and ensure the leaf‑spring anchor‑pin rubber bushes are still supple; any cracking or excessive movement could presage costly suspension repairs. Addressing these age‑related items now will give you a clearer picture of the vehicle’s true roadworthiness and help avoid unexpected breakdowns after purchase.