2012 Chrysler-Jeep 300 3.0L Diesel · SH12 ABK

The most recent MOT tests on this 2012 Chrysler Jeep 300, conducted just 12 months ago on 2025-06-09, reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite identical mileage readings—79,887 miles—on the same test date. The vehicle passed the prior MOT in July 2024 at 113,577 miles, indicating a significant drop in mileage between tests (43,690 miles in 11 months), which is unusual for a vehicle of this age. The absence of any recorded defects in the 2025 tests suggests the failures were likely administrative or procedural, but the duplication of the same mileage on consecutive tests warrants scrutiny. If this was due to a technical issue, it was not logged, leaving the buyer to infer whether the vehicle was driven between tests or stood unused. The mileage progression reveals an erratic pattern, with a notable jump from 63,139 miles in May 2023 to 113,577 miles by July 2024—a 50,438-mile increase in just 14 months, averaging over 3,600 miles annually. This suggests the vehicle was actively used during that period, though the subsequent drop to 79,887 miles by June 2025 implies it may have been stored or driven sparingly thereafter. The low average annual mileage of 5,706 miles over its lifetime could indicate limited use, but it also raises questions about whether critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or drivetrain fluids were serviced regularly during periods of inactivity. Given the lack of recorded defects in recent MOTs, the buyer should prioritise an inspection of high-wear areas that are not routinely tested. The suspension system—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these components degrade gradually and may not trigger MOT failures until they become severe. Brake calipers and binding mechanisms, if present, should be checked for corrosion or improper function, as repeated failures on brakes are often overlooked until they become unsafe. Additionally, the structural integrity of the chassis and subframe should be assessed for signs of rust or distortion, especially given the vehicle’s age and the potential for prolonged storage. A thorough check of fluid levels—brake, power steering, and transmission—is also advisable, as these are not MOT-tested but critical to long-term reliability.