2019 Vauxhall Grandland 1.2L Petrol · ST68 XGE

The 2019 Vauxhall Grandland presents a mixed roadworthiness picture where three years of consistent passing results contrast with two distinct advisory flags and one minor failure. The September 2026 MOT result was clean with no defects recorded, indicating the chassis remained structurally sound at the time of testing. However, the 2022 February MOT recorded light misting of oil within the nearside front shock absorbers, and earlier in 2025 an undertray fitting advisory appeared, suggesting intermittent issues that were either resolved or re-emerged before the last successful test. The current status shows stability after a period of vigilance rather than sustained excellence. With 78,700 miles recorded on a seven-year-old vehicle, the annual accumulation rate of approximately 11,243 miles falls within the expected range for its age, though the gap between the 2022 and 2026 MOT intervals suggests variable driving conditions. The 2022 MOT occurred nearly four years prior, while the next scheduled test would have been around mid-2027 given the standard five-year interval, meaning there is currently no immediate testing gap. The steady progression through each year's MOT suggests the engine and drivetrain have held up reasonably well, yet the earlier oil misting incident indicates that suspension lubricants may require periodic attention even when the main frame remains intact. The persistent oil misting reported in the 2022 MOT at the nearside front shock absorbers warrants close examination during any test drive, as dark residue or dripping onto the undercarriage could signal internal seal degradation or bearing wear that compromises spring function and ride quality. Listening for a rhythmic knocking over speed bumps or feeling a loss of damping control when traversing uneven surfaces will help determine whether the oil leakage has progressed to affect performance. If the shock absorbers are still functional, they should exhibit smooth, linear motion without excessive play in the mounting bolts or signs of bottoming out at the end of compression strokes. The 2026-02-18 failed test involving the nearside front headlamp not operating on dipped beams represents a straightforward electrical failure that requires replacement to ensure basic safety compliance and lighting functionality. Additionally, the 2022-02-03 advisory regarding rear brake disc wear noted the discs as pitted or scored but not seriously weakened, so checking for grinding noises during deceleration or a soft-pedal feel when applying the brakes will confirm whether this issue has worsened since then. Given the overall clean record leading up to the September 2026 pass, these isolated concerns appear manageable, but verifying both the headlamp operation and brake disc condition before purchase will provide confidence in the vehicle's remaining reliability.