2008 Dodge Caliber 2.0L Petrol · SW08 AEV

The 2008 Dodge Caliber’s most recent MOT test on 2023-09-28—just under three years ago—was a failure, yet no specific defects were recorded, which suggests either an administrative oversight or a test where only advisory items were present. This pattern of failures without documented faults is unusual and warrants further scrutiny, as it indicates either inconsistent testing or a vehicle that may have passed undetected despite potential underlying issues. The last passed test occurred in October 2022, meaning the vehicle has been without a valid MOT for nearly three years, a significant gap that raises immediate concerns about roadworthiness. The lack of defects on failure tests also implies a possible history of minor issues being overlooked or repaired privately without official record. The recorded mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of around 7,150 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. Between 2021 and 2023, the mileage increased from approximately 108,665 to 128,696, averaging roughly 10,000 miles per year—consistent with moderate usage. However, the two consecutive failures in September 2021 and October 2021, just 29 days apart, suggest either a rushed or incomplete pre-test inspection, as the mileage change was minimal (154 miles). This inconsistency in testing frequency and outcome highlights a lack of diligence in maintaining proper documentation. Given the pattern of failures without recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of critical components that commonly fail or degrade over time. The suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be examined for excessive wear or corrosion, as these are frequent failure points in vehicles of this age. Binding brakes, either front or rear, were implied by the repeated failures, so caliper function, disc thickness, and pad condition must be verified. Structural integrity, especially around the wheel arches and sills, should also be assessed for corrosion, as this is a common issue in older vehicles with higher mileage. The absence of advisory notes in the MOT history makes these checks even more critical, as they would typically flag areas requiring attention.