2012 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · SG62 ABK

This Peugeot 208 presents a mechanical history dominated by exhaust and emissions failures rather than a clean or improving roadworthiness profile. The two most recent test dates in January 2026 show a failed attempt on 30 January followed immediately by a pass on the same day, with the failure citing an exhaust gas leak and an emissions test that could not be completed. This follows a near-identical pattern in January 2025, when a clean pass on 3 February was preceded by two earlier failures tied to excessive carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, a Lambda reading outside specification, a binding rear brake, and advisories for a minor exhaust leak at the downpipe or catalytic converter along with an oil leak. The recurring nature of the exhaust and emissions issues, in particular the same Lambda and CO exceedances appearing across consecutive years, points to a chronic problem in the catalyst or oxygen sensor circuit that has not been fully resolved between tests, and the front brake disc advisory from the most recent pass suggests friction material wear is also beginning to surface. Against a fourteen-year age, the recorded 108,136 miles equates to roughly 7,724 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical expectations for a small petrol Peugeot of this era and rules out the kind of very low mileage that would raise concerns about dried seals, seized calipers or a flat battery. The MOT record shows annual testing throughout the vehicle's life with no extended gaps, suggesting consistent use rather than long periods of standing. That level of regular activity on a fourteen-year-old small car means consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, suspension bushes and exhaust mounting rubbers will have all been worked normally, and the mileage is high enough that the catalytic converter, lambda sensors and engine oil seals are reaching the stage where age-related degradation rather than simple wear becomes the dominant failure mode. For a prospective buyer, the priority on any inspection must be the exhaust and emissions system. On a cold start, listen for any ticking or hissing from beneath the engine that would indicate a leaking manifold or downpipe gasket, particularly around the catalytic converter joint where the advisory noted a minor leak. With the engine fully warm, check for a strong rotten egg smell from the tailpipe, which would suggest the catalyst is failing to clean exhaust gases properly and is consistent with the recurring Lambda and CO failures. Inspect the rear siller and intermediate pipe for surface rust and porous sections, as fourteen years of underbody exposure combined with annual mileage will have thinned the system considerably. On the test drive, expect some hesitation or rough idle if the lambda sensor is marginal, and confirm there are no dashboard warning lights for the engine management system. The brake-related defects also warrant a focused road check. The advisory on the front brake disc noted pitting and scoring, so on the test drive listen for any brake judder through the steering wheel or a pulsing sensation under firm pedal pressure, both of which would confirm the disc has worn beyond its service limit and needs replacement. Pay particular attention to the nearside rear brake, which was recorded as excessively binding, as a seizing caliper or stuck handbrake mechanism can cause the vehicle to pull to one side under light braking and generate excessive heat, sometimes manifesting as a hot wheel hub after driving. Finally, inspect the underside for any signs of the oil leak flagged in the 2025 advisories, focusing on the engine sump, rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing, and check that the fluid level on the dipstick is at the maximum mark before any purchase decision is made.