2018 Vauxhall Grandland 1.5L Diesel · WD18 MLU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 June 2024, resulted in a pass but highlighted an advisory that the off‑side front tyre is worn close to the legal limit and shows edge wear. Over the preceding four years the vehicle has shown a mixed picture: a clean pass in 2021, a failure in June 2023 for low headlamp aim that would have required adjustment, a minor wiper‑blade defect and a rear‑disc advisory in 2022, and a clean pass in 2023. The pattern suggests that the owner has generally kept the car road‑worthy, addressing the headlamp fault and the wiper issue, but recurring wear items are beginning to surface, indicating a maintenance trend that is stable but moving towards the need for more proactive component replacement. At 108 941 miles the Grandland has accumulated roughly 13 600 miles per year, well above the average for a vehicle of its 2018 vintage. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake discs, pads and suspension bushings, and it also increases the likelihood of internal engine and transmission fatigue. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of inactivity, so the mileage appears to be genuine and reflects consistent, relatively high‑usage driving rather than prolonged storage. Prospective buyers should give the front tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection, measuring tread depth across the width and checking the sidewalls for cracking, bulging or dry‑rot that can develop with age and high mileage. The advisory on the off‑side front tyre means replacement is likely imminent; any vibration or pulling under acceleration would confirm the need. The rear brake disc was noted as pitted but not critically weakened in 2022, so a careful inspection of disc surface for deep scoring, rust, or uneven wear, together with pad thickness, is essential. Symptoms to watch for on a test drive include a pulsating brake pedal, shudder when applying the brakes, or a high‑pitched squeal that could indicate worn pads or a glazed disc. The headlamp aim failure from the previous year should be verified; mis‑aim can cause glare and may be corrected at a workshop, but the buyer should confirm that both low‑beam units are correctly aligned and that the lenses are free from clouding. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, additional checks are advisable even though the MOT record is otherwise clean. Examine the suspension for any clunking or excessive play, paying particular attention to the condition of the front coil springs, lower control‑arm bushes and rear trailing‑arm mounts, as high mileage can lead to fatigue and premature wear. Inspect the battery for signs of sulfation or reduced cranking power, and consider a load test, especially if the car has spent time idle. Verify that the service history shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes, and look for any evidence of fluid leaks around the engine bay, brake lines and rear differential. Finally, confirm that the 12‑volt battery terminals are clean and that the tyre pressure monitoring system is functional, as these small items often become neglected on high‑mileage, long‑standing vehicles.