2007 Renault Kangoo 1.5L Diesel · YW07 KPE

Chronic brake pipe corrosion sits at the centre of this Kangoo's mechanical story, appearing as an advisory on every recorded test from 2018 through 2022 and escalating to outright failure items in November 2022 when both front brake pipes were classified as excessively corroded. The November 2022 retest confirmed the repair route taken, with the offside front-to-rear line now showing only surface corrosion under grease, but the persistence of the issue across four consecutive annual tests suggests the underlying pipework along the chassis is approaching the point where further sections will fail inspection. Alongside the braking concerns, the suspension has produced repeated advisories on the offside front shock absorber showing light oil misting since 2020, a nearside rear upper bush noted as worn in 2022, and two separate major failures for excessive wear in the front suspension arm ball joint (2019) and the nearside track rod end ball joint (2020). The November 2022 test was ultimately passed, but only after the ABS warning lamp fault and the heavily corroded front brake lines were addressed, and the front brake disc on the offside was previously flagged as pitted and scored in 2021. With 182,994 miles recorded against a 2007 build date, this Kangoo has averaged roughly 9,600 miles per year over its life, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. The MOT history is reasonably continuous on an annual basis from 2018 to 2022, with no extended gaps suggesting long periods off the road, though the two recorded failures in November 2020 and November 2022 were followed within days by successful retests rather than fresh annual tests. At this mileage, wear on the suspension linkages, engine mountings, clutch and dual-mass flywheel components, turbocharger and injector hardware on the diesel unit, and the general integrity of the exhaust and underbody shielding should be expected to be well advanced, and the MOT record broadly reflects that pattern. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension geometry on a test drive. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly on full lock and over speed humps, as both the track rod end and the suspension arm ball joint have failed in this area within the last four years. The steering should track dead straight under braking and on a slightly cambered road, with no vibration through the wheel, and any looseness felt when rocking the front wheels by hand would warrant immediate concern. The braking system needs close inspection under the bonnet and on a ramp, with the steel lines running along the chassis and undercarriage checked for deep surface rust, pitting, or active weeping, especially at the unions near the front calipers and the rear axle, as the pattern of advisories strongly suggests further sections will be due. The diesel engine itself has its own notes to chase. A fluid leak flagged in 2021 as engine diesel leak should be investigated for its current severity, with the engine bay inspected for wetness around the injector pipes, fuel rail and lift pump area, and the underside of the turbocharger checked for oil or diesel staining on a road test, listening for any signs of turbo whistle under load. The offside front shock absorber's light misting should be evaluated by pushing down firmly on each front corner with the vehicle stationary and counting the number of oscillations, with a single rebound indicating reduced damping efficiency. Finally, observe the ABS warning lamp during ignition on, confirm it extinguishes cleanly, and ask for evidence of any recent diagnostic work, as the 2022 ABS fault could recur if the underlying wheel speed sensor or ring has degraded. Given the recurring brake pipe corrosion, a thorough underseal inspection and proactive replacement of marginal sections would be prudent before relying on this vehicle for daily use.