2020 Ssangyong Korando Ultimate Auto 1.5L Petrol · YM69 YLO

A clean MOT record across four consecutive tests between January 2023 and February 2026 establishes this Ssangyong Korando as a vehicle with no recorded advisories, failures, or notable defects during the documented testing period, painting a picture of consistent roadworthiness at each annual assessment. The most recent test on 5 February 2026 returned a pass with no defects recorded, and the previous three inspections at roughly twelve-month intervals all followed the same pattern. For a vehicle of this age and class, an unblemished DVSA history is a strong baseline indicator, though it is worth bearing in mind that MOT testing only covers a defined scope of safety and emissions items at the point of test and does not reflect general mechanical condition, service history quality, or wear on components that fall outside the test schedule. At 80,729 miles against an age of approximately six years, this Korando has accumulated mileage at a rate of around 13,455 miles per year, which sits well above the typical average for a privately used family SUV in the UK. Such sustained high usage places greater ongoing demand on the consumable and mechanical items that MOT testing does not fully cover, including the timing chain and ancillary drive belts, the automatic transmission fluid and torque converter, the turbocharger and associated oil feed lines, and the cooling system including the radiator, thermostat, and water pump. The 7,000 to 8,000 mile jumps between consecutive MOTs suggest fairly regular and consistent use rather than any extended periods of standing, which is generally favourable for component longevity on a modern Ssangyong, though it does mean that clutch packs in the automatic gearbox, engine mounts, and rear differential components may already have absorbed substantial cumulative load. Given the absence of any flagged advisories, a prospective buyer should focus their pre-purchase inspection on the components that a clean MOT history does not necessarily cover and that are known wear points on Korandos of this generation. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and rough surfaces, which could indicate worn lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount bearings, and pay particular attention to any vagueness in the steering or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine should be observed from cold start for any excessive diesel-like clatter, timing chain rattle, or visible oil misting around the cam cover, and a thorough under-bonnet inspection should look for signs of coolant leakage from the water pump area and oil seepage from the turbo oil return line. With the automatic gearbox, confirm smooth and timely gear changes during light throttle and gentle kickdown, as any hesitation, shunt, or torque converter shudder under modest load could suggest degraded ATF or impending mechatronic issues. The braking system should be evaluated by feel for any pulling to one side under firm pedal application, a soft or spongy pedal that could indicate perished brake fluid or air ingress, and any pulsing through the pedal under steady pressure that would suggest warped front discs. The underbody warrants close visual scrutiny for corrosion on the rear subframe mounting points, suspension arms, and brake pipe runs, particularly given that Ssangyong models of this era can suffer from underfloor surface corrosion in areas subjected to winter road salt. Finally, confirm a full documented service history with particular attention to the automatic transmission fluid change intervals, the timing chain replacement status if any noise is evident, and the condition of the all-wheel-drive system if fitted, as these are the areas most likely to require attention on a high-mileage example regardless of its clean MOT pedigree.