2007 Dodge Caliber 2.0L Diesel · YY57 DHD

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2007 Dodge Caliber was conducted on 9 February 2026 and resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with the vehicle passing three of its last four recorded tests. Notably, there are two instances of a test being conducted on the same date as a previous failure, both in 2024 and 2025, which strongly suggests the vehicle was presented for a retest after minor rectification work was carried out immediately following a failure. The absence of any defect entries on either the pass or the corresponding failure records indicates that the issues prompting those failures were either addressed without being recorded in detail on the standard MOT database or were minor administrative items. Overall, there is no documented history of recurring mechanical defects or advisories, which is reassuring for a prospective buyer, though the lack of advisory data does mean that borderline wear items will not be flagged by the MOT history alone. The recorded mileage of 72,214 miles on a vehicle of approximately 19 years of age equates to an average annual usage of roughly 3,800 miles, which is considerably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this era. This unusually low annual mileage profile suggests one of two scenarios: either the car has been used very lightly as a secondary or occasional vehicle, or it has experienced extended periods of standing idle between uses. Low annual mileage reduces wear on major mechanical components such as the engine, transmission, clutch, and major suspension parts, but it introduces its own set of age-related concerns. Long periods of standing can lead to deterioration of rubber and polymer components, oxidation of brake components, degradation of lubricants, and potential issues with electrical systems that rely on regular cycling to remain healthy. Given the vehicle's age and low usage profile, several practical physical checks are strongly recommended before purchase. The tyres should be carefully inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, as tyres older than six years can suffer from dry rot even if the tread depth remains legal; the DOT date code on the sidewall should be checked, and a vehicle of this age is very likely running on aged rubber that warrants replacement regardless of tread remaining. The braking system warrants close attention, as standing corrosion on the brake discs is common on low-use vehicles, leading to binding calipers, uneven pad wear, and a sensation of juddering or pulling during braking. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking noises from the suspension over uneven road surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns which can indicate worn bushes, sagging coil springs, or tracking issues. The exhaust system, particularly the mounting rubbers and the rear silencer, should be inspected for corrosion, and the underside of the vehicle should be examined for any signs of fluid leaks or surface corrosion given the age. Further inspection items appropriate for this age and mileage profile include verification of recent servicing, particularly the timing belt replacement interval if applicable to this engine variant, and confirmation of when the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid were last changed. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades over time regardless of mileage, so if there is no service history evidencing a fluid change within the last two to three years, the system should be flushed. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries on low-use vehicles frequently fail due to chronic undercharging from infrequent journeys; the alternator output should also be verified. Finally, the air conditioning system, if equipped, should be checked for operation, and the condition of all drive belts, coolant hoses, and the radiator should be examined for age-related hardening and cracking. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a competent independent garage, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, is highly advisable given the age of the car and the likelihood of age-related deterioration that the MOT record will not capture.