2021 Renault Kadjar 1.3L Petrol · SE21 FPG

The most recent MOT test dated 24 June 2026 resulted in a fail alongside a pass, which is a common administrative outcome when a vehicle is presented for a retest immediately after repair. The failure was attributable to a windscreen wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively, a straightforward component-level issue that was presumably rectified to allow the same-day pass. Importantly, the test also recorded an advisory concerning nearside front suspension arm pin or bush wear, though the examiner confirmed this had not yet resulted in excessive movement. Looking at the trajectory across the three recorded tests, the vehicle has progressed from a completely clean pass in June 2024, to two advisories relating to front tyre wear in June 2025, to the suspension arm advisory and wiper defect in June 2026. This represents a gently worsening trend, though nothing of structural or safety-critical concern has been recorded, and the issues raised are consistent with normal ageing and consumable wear on a five-year-old crossover. The recorded mileage of 25,407 miles over approximately five years equates to an annual average of around 5,081 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this type. The Kadjar has likely seen a mixture of shorter urban trips and longer standing periods, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Low annual mileage tends to mean that major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch experience less thermal cycling stress, which is beneficial for longevity, but extended standing periods can accelerate deterioration of perishable items. Brake discs are particularly susceptible to surface corrosion and caliper slider seizure from lack of use, the timing chain and oil seals can suffer from infrequent oil warm-up cycles, and the 12V battery is likely to have been subjected to numerous deep discharge and recharge events associated with short journeys. The MOT records do not show any large mileage gaps, suggesting reasonably consistent use, but the overall low figure still warrants careful inspection of items that degrade with time rather than distance. Given the recurring advisories relating to front suspension and tyres, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front axle condition during a physical inspection and test drive. The nearside front suspension arm pin or bush wear noted in 2026 will continue to progress, and it would be prudent to have the entire front suspension assembly, including the offside components, the anti-roll bar drop links, and the track rod ends, checked for perished or split bushings, excessive play, or any visible grease loss from the joints. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed, and feel for vagueness or imprecise steering response. The 2025 advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on the edge suggest potential tracking misalignment or worn suspension geometry, so verify whether a four-wheel alignment has been carried out and ensure the replacement tyres are wearing evenly across the full tread width. Uneven inner or outer edge wear, feathering, or one-sided scrub would indicate that the underlying suspension issues have not been resolved. Beyond the specific advisories, the low-mileage and five-year-old profile of this Kadjar demands attention to time-sensitive deterioration. Inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking, perishing, or ozone damage, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years from their DOT date stamp should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. Check the brake discs for lipping, pitting, or severe surface rust, and confirm the calipers are releasing fully by feeling for residual heat or dragging after a short drive. Verify the service history book stamps and cross-reference the recorded mileage against the service intervals; Renault typically requires servicing every 12 months or 18,000 miles, and any gaps in this schedule could indicate missed oil changes, which is critical for the turbocharged engines fitted to this model. Finally, ensure the brake fluid and coolant have been changed within the last two to three years as these degrade on a calendar basis, test the air conditioning output, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for any surface corrosion, and confirm the 12V battery holds a strong charge, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from premature battery failure.