2005 Chevrolet Pick UP 3.0L Diesel · R18 JGG

A pattern of front-end suspension wear, brake-related defects, and a persistent airbag warning lamp issue dominates the recorded test history of this 2005 Chevrolet Pick Up. The most recent examination on 2023-04-04 returned a pass, but the advisory list was substantial, flagging a worn steering column universal joint, play in the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint, and an offside rear tyre worn on its edge. A prior failure on 2020-03-21 highlighted more serious concerns, including an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint recorded as excessively worn, an offside front service brake that was excessively binding, a malfunctioning offside windscreen wiper, and an airbag warning lamp indicating a fault. The supplementary restraint system warning lamp has appeared in every test since 2017, initially as an advisory for non-illumination and then escalating to a major failure in 2020 before reverting to advisory status in subsequent passes. The cumulative picture is one of chronic advisories clustered around suspension joints, steering components, and tyres, with at least one major brake and suspension failure within the last six years. With 195,817 miles accumulated over approximately 21 years, the vehicle averages around 9,325 miles annually, a figure broadly consistent with active working use for a pickup of this vintage. The test record shows gaps between 2018 and 2020, but the mileage progression suggests the vehicle remained in service throughout. There are no extended multi-year lay-ups visible, which is relevant because the recurring advisories on brake pipes and suspension components indicate continuous exposure to wear rather than deterioration from standing. The high absolute mileage for a 2005 model places significant cumulative demand on the drivetrain, braking system, and chassis components, particularly given the recorded binding brake caliper and multiple ball joint advisories. A prospective buyer should approach this vehicle with close attention to the front suspension and braking system, as these are the areas most consistently flagged. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the nearside upper arm joint noted in 2023, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, as the 2023 advisory noted an offside rear tyre worn on its edge. Steering should be inspected for any slack or roughness around the column universal joint, another 2023 advisory, by rocking the wheel with the engine running and feeling for play or notchiness. Brake pedal feel warrants careful assessment, especially given the 2020 record of excessive binding on the offside front caliper; a test should include several moderate stops from speed to detect pulling, judder, or a pedal that requires excessive effort. The offside front lower suspension arm ball joint that was excessively worn in 2020 should be specifically inspected for renewed play, ideally by a mechanic lifting the front of the vehicle and manually checking for lateral movement. Additional focus should be placed on the supplementary restraint system and corrosion-prone components. The airbag warning lamp has been an advisory or failure at every test since 2017, meaning the system has never been confirmed as fully operational during an MOT, and a diagnostic scan is essential to determine whether this reflects a sensor fault, a wiring issue, or a more serious airbag module concern. Brake lines should be physically inspected for surface corrosion, particularly along the nearside rear and nearside front sections flagged as slightly corroded in 2017, as corrosion in this area on a high-mileage vehicle can progress to a test failure. The deteriorated CV boot recorded in 2022 should be confirmed as replaced or intact, as a torn boot leads to rapid joint failure. Finally, verify the integrity of the windscreen washer system and wiper operation, both of which have generated advisories or failures, and ensure the rear registration plate is legible, a minor but recurring advisory throughout the record.