2014 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Petrol · AF14 LBL

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 April 2026 resulted in a pass, although three advisories were issued. Two minor cosmetic items were noted regarding slight discolouration of the nearside and offside front side repeater lamps, which are not mechanically significant but may indicate age-related degradation of the lens or bulb holder. The more notable advisory is the recurrence of an oil leak, described as not excessive, which has now appeared across three consecutive tests since May 2023. While the tester has consistently judged the seepage to be within acceptable limits, the persistence of the defect suggests the source has not been rectified, and it is advisable to identify the origin, whether from the valve cover gasket, sump, cam cover, or front crankshaft seal, before the leak progresses to a level where it becomes a failure item or contributes to low engine oil and accelerated wear. The vehicle has recorded 146,437 miles over a twelve-year period, equating to an annual average of approximately 12,203 miles, which is well above the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. This high usage rate carries clear mechanical implications, particularly for consumable items and components subject to wear over distance rather than time, including suspension components, braking hardware, clutch and drivetrain elements, and the turbocharger if fitted. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage, indicating consistent use rather than periods of standing, which is generally favourable for avoiding corrosion-related issues but suggests that major service items may have been approached or exceeded in terms of replacement intervals, especially the timing chain, dual-mass flywheel on manual variants, and injector service on diesel derivatives. The MOT history reveals a pattern of front suspension concerns that warrants particular attention during any physical inspection. In May 2025, the vehicle failed on both front suspension arm ball joint dust covers, which were no longer preventing the ingress of dirt, with accompanying advisories for worn pins or bushes on the same arms. Although the car subsequently passed the following year, replacement of the lower control arms or at minimum the ball joints and bushes would be prudent to ensure long-term roadworthiness, as compromised dust covers allow contamination that accelerates joint wear and can ultimately lead to excessive play and MOT failure. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven or accelerated wear on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres, and vague or wandering steering response, all of which would indicate that the suspension deterioration has progressed beyond acceptable limits. Beyond the documented defects, the cumulative mileage and age of this Mokka justify a thorough inspection of items not always captured during MOT testing. The brake discs and pads should be examined for wear lip, corrosion, and binding calipers, particularly given the high annual mileage which implies frequent braking cycles. The cooling system should be checked given the coolant leak advisory from the 2023 examination, which was not repeated on subsequent tests and may have been resolved, but hoses, the radiator, and water pump should be inspected for weeping or staining. Tyres should be assessed for both tread depth and age-related perishing or cracking on the sidewalls, as a vehicle of this mileage may still be on relatively new rubber but the underlying wheels and hubs may show signs of corrosion from road salt exposure. Finally, verify the service history including cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals, ensure the 12V battery is in good health given the vehicle's age, and confirm that brake fluid and coolant have been changed within their calendar-based service windows, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage and represent low-cost but essential maintenance items for continued reliable operation.