2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD LTD Auto 2.7L Diesel · RY52 CSO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 6 June 2022, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering front indicator lens discolouration, a light‑film on both headlamp lenses and wear on the off‑side rear anti‑roll‑bar linkage pin or bush. Earlier in the record the vehicle failed in June 2021 due to an ABS warning lamp fault and rear seat‑belt failures, and in May 2016 it failed because the windscreen wipers were ineffective. Since the 2021 failure the test results have been uniformly passing, albeit with an increasing number of wear‑related advisories, indicating that the overall maintenance trend has stabilised but that a number of components are now approaching the end of their service life. With 121 012 mi recorded on a 2003 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5 300 mi per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The low utilisation suggests periods of limited running or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber seals, hoses and bushings tend to dry out and metal components can develop surface corrosion when the car sits for long intervals. Conversely, the modest mileage means that wear items such as the engine, gearbox and major drivetrain components are likely to have endured less cumulative stress than a higher‑mileage counterpart. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the suspension and steering assemblies that have been flagged repeatedly. Examine the rear anti‑roll‑bar linkage bush for any looseness, cracking or excessive movement, and check both front track‑rod end ball joints for play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or noticeable looseness may indicate impending joint failure. The near‑side front upper suspension ball joint was noted with slight play in 2019, while the rear suspension arm and its bushings have shown corrosion; a thorough visual inspection for rust, pitting or loss of material, followed by a bounce test to confirm that the rear springs and dampers are not binding, is advisable. The brake pipe corrosion advisories, especially the front‑to‑rear flexible unions, should be inspected for surface rust, cracking or signs of fluid leakage, and a test‑drive should be used to verify firm, pedal‑free brake operation without ABS warning illumination. Although the ABS fault was cleared for the 2022 test, confirm that the ABS warning lamp remains extinguished and that the system engages smoothly under hard braking. Finally, verify that both rear seat‑belt pretensioners operate correctly, as they failed in 2021, and replace any discoloured indicator lenses or headlamp film to ensure full lighting compliance. Beyond the specific MOT items, the vehicle’s age warrants a comprehensive age‑related check. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could be symptomatic of prolonged storage; replace tyres that show any signs of perishing regardless of tread depth. Test the 12 V battery voltage and conduct a load test, as batteries over 10 years old often lose capacity. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour change, moisture or sediment, and consider a complete fluid change if the service history is incomplete. Look for rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body panels, especially around the previously noted rear suspension arm corrosion, and ensure that the windscreen wipers have been restored to full clearing performance. A full service history with recent oil changes, timing‑chain inspection (if applicable) and regular coolant flushes will provide additional confidence in the vehicle’s long‑term reliability.