2020 Jeep Renegade 1.6L Diesel · WT69 BHW

The most recent MOT, conducted on 28 January 2026 at 35,124 miles, resulted in a pass, but the outcome is far from clean. The tester flagged multiple tyre defects, including a nail in both the nearside and offside rear tyres, a nearside rear tyre worn to 2.3mm on its edge, and an under-inflated rear tyre. An offside front transmission oil seal leak was also noted, albeit as non-excessive. Comparing this to the preceding test on 27 January 2025 at 30,009 miles, which passed with zero defects, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. A vehicle that went from a completely clean bill of health to four separate advisories within twelve months suggests either a period of neglect or a sudden increase in wear that demands immediate attention. The mileage profile tells an interesting story. Across six years, this Renegade has covered just 35,124 miles, averaging roughly 5,854 miles annually, which is notably low. The progression from 17,019 miles in January 2023 to 25,286 miles in January 2024 shows a jump of 8,267 miles in one year, followed by a further 4,723 miles through 2025 and then a standstill of just 115 miles between January 2025 and January 2026. That near-zero mileage gain in the most recent year raises the possibility of prolonged sitting, which can cause tyre flat-spotting, brake disc surface corrosion, and dried-out seals. The dual January 2025 entries, a fail for insufficient washer fluid followed immediately by a pass, indicate the vehicle was retested the same day after a simple top-up, which is routine and not a concern. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus sharply on the rear tyres and the transmission area. Two separate rear tyres have sustained punctures, and the nearside rear was worn to 2.3mm, dangerously close to the 1.6mm legal minimum. This pattern of rear tyre wear and damage could point to alignment issues, suspension bush wear, or simply neglect of tyre pressures, especially given the under-inflation advisory. The offside front transmission seal leak, while currently flagged as non-excessive, warrants a thorough underside inspection. Even minor transmission leaks can escalate, and on a vehicle that may have sat idle for extended periods, seal deterioration is a common consequence. Suspension components, including rear bushes and coil springs, should be checked for perishing from age rather than mileage, and both front and rear brake discs should be examined for surface corrosion consistent with prolonged standing.