2010 Peugeot 3008 1.6L Petrol · AO60 AAK

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 7 August 2023, resulted in a Pass, indicating that the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements at that time. However, the test history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories that warrant close attention from a prospective buyer. The oil leak, which has been flagged across both the 2022 and 2023 tests as "not excessive," suggests a persistent seepage that, while currently within acceptable limits, could progress over time and indicates underlying wear in engine seals or gaskets. Of greater mechanical significance are the advisories relating to slightly worn rear shock absorber bushes, as these components are critical to vehicle stability, ride quality, and tyre wear. Bush deterioration tends to progress gradually, and a second-year recurrence suggests active wear. The 2022 test also recorded a Major defect for excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, which was subsequently rectified, but this item should be re-inspected, as premature wear in steering components on a vehicle of this mileage is not uncommon and can recur. The recorded mileage of 125,376 miles over a sixteen-year service life equates to an average of approximately 7,836 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical private use for a vehicle of this age. There are no notable gaps or clusters in the recorded history suggesting extended standing periods or unusually rapid accumulation, meaning wear patterns should be relatively uniform across major mechanical systems. This mileage places the Peugeot firmly in the higher-wear bracket for its age, with consumables such as brake discs, pads, clutch, and suspension components likely to have been renewed at least once during its service life. A buyer should anticipate that further renewal of wear items may be due imminently, particularly given the steering component failure recorded in 2022 and the recurring rear suspension advisories. Given the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused physical inspection and test drive evaluation. Begin with a thorough visual check of the underside of the engine and bellhousing area for any fresh oil residue, paying particular attention to the rocker cover gasket, sump plug, and front crankshaft seal, as these are common origins of seeps on PSA diesel and petrol units of this era. With the engine running from cold, listen for any irregular idling or tapping from the top end. Inspect the rear shock absorber mounting bushes and top mounts for perishing, cracking, or play by hand; on the test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces and observe whether the vehicle remains composed through corners without excessive float or wallow. The headlamp lens defects noted in both tests suggest UV degradation of the polycarbonate, which is age-related rather than mileage-related; check for moisture ingress or condensation inside the lamp units, as this can indicate failed seals and lead to bulb failure or wiring corrosion. Finally, with the vehicle unladen and on level ground, rock each front wheel laterally to confirm there is no renewed play in the track rod end, and rotate the steering through full lock listening for any clonks or roughness from the steering rack, which could indicate wear following the earlier ball joint replacement. Beyond the recorded defects, age-and-mileage-appropriate inspection should extend to several areas not necessarily captured in the MOT history. The Peugeot 3008 of this generation is known for age-related issues including timing belt service intervals, which on the petrol and diesel variants fall between 60,000 and 100,000 miles depending on engine type, and confirmation of the timing belt or chain replacement should be sought via the service book. Brake discs are particularly susceptible to corrosion pitting on vehicles that see mixed urban and short-journey use, so inspect both the inner and outer faces of all four discs for lipping and rust scoring. Tyres should be examined not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is a calendar-based deterioration independent of mileage, particularly given the vehicle's age. The 12V battery should be tested for state of health, as Peugeot vehicles of this era can suffer from parasitic drain issues, and a weak battery may indicate deeper electrical faults. Finally, verify that all fluid services, particularly brake fluid (typically biennial) and coolant, have been performed within their recommended intervals, as degraded brake fluid significantly compromises stopping performance and is a common oversight on older vehicles. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician, ideally with access to a lift, would be strongly advisable given the combination of age, mileage, and recurring advisories.