2013 Great Wall Steed S TD 4X4 2.0L Diesel · VU63 RYG

This vehicle's roadworthiness status is currently unverifiable as the most recent MOT test on 9 October 2023 at 85,567 miles resulted in a failure. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening. Between September 2021 and October 2023, the vehicle deteriorated from passing with minor advisories to failing on multiple serious structural and mechanical fronts. The October 2023 failure identified a corroded and seriously weakened offside front lower suspension arm, a coolant leak from a split turbo intake air hose, front brake pads worn to the indicator, and a parking brake lever with excessive movement. These are not isolated faults but represent a cluster of unresolved issues that had been escalating over the preceding two years. The mileage pattern is consistent and unremarkable. The vehicle has covered approximately 9,161 miles in the two years between the September 2021 pass at 76,406 miles and the October 2023 failure at 85,567 miles, averaging roughly 4,580 miles annually in that period. This is lower than the lifetime average of 6,582 miles per year, suggesting lighter recent use or possible periods of standing. The MOT record itself is reasonably well-documented with consecutive annual tests, so there are no alarming gaps in the testing history to suggest the vehicle was off the road for extended periods. A buyer should approach this vehicle with significant caution and arrange a thorough independent inspection focused on three areas. First, the structural corrosion is a recurring and persistent theme. Testers flagged corroded front body mountings, both inner sills, the offside front footwell, and rear chassis areas near spring hangers across multiple tests. While none were deemed to significantly reduce structural rigidity at the time of testing, the cumulative pattern suggests ongoing exposure to moisture and salt without adequate underbody protection. Second, the front suspension requires close scrutiny. Both lower suspension arm ball joints have shown play since at least 2021, and by October 2023 the offside front lower arm was corroded and seriously weakened. Upper arms also showed corrosion. These components directly affect steering precision and wheel alignment, and their condition should be verified with the vehicle on a ramp. Third, the braking system needs attention. Front brake discs were worn and pitted, pads were at the wear indicator, and the parking brake lever had excessive movement.