2015 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · AF15 WGD

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 19 February 2026, resulted in a failure. The failure was driven by three major items: an inoperative engine malfunction‑indicator lamp, a fractured nearside front coil spring, and a non‑functioning rear registration‑plate lamp, together with repeated tyre‑wear advisories. Up to the 2025 test the vehicle had passed without recorded defects, indicating a maintenance record that was stable for several years before a clear deterioration in the latest inspection. The appearance of a structural suspension fault and an electronic fault in the same test suggests that the vehicle’s condition has moved from acceptable to potentially unsafe without remedial work. At 136,265 mi the 2015 Peugeot 308 has averaged roughly 12,400 mi per annum, well above the typical UK average of 8‑10 000 mi per year. This level of utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake discs and pads, suspension bushings and engine oil, and it also increases the likelihood of fatigue in load‑bearing components like coil springs and chassis mounts. The mileage progression appears steady rather than punctuated by long periods of inactivity, implying the car has been regularly driven rather than stored, which generally reduces the risk of age‑related fluid degradation but heightens the importance of checking wear items that correlate directly with distance travelled. A prospective buyer should give immediate attention to the fractured front coil spring. This is a critical suspension component; a broken spring can cause a noticeable clunk when passing bumps, uneven wheel camber, and premature tyre wear on the affected side. Verify that the spring has been replaced and that the associated strut mount, lower control arm bushings and anti‑roll bar links are in good condition. The engine MIL being inoperative may mask underlying faults such as misfires, sensor failures or emission‑system problems – a diagnostic scan should be performed to clear the code and confirm that the engine management system is fully functional before committing to purchase. The rear plate‑lamp failure is a simple electrical issue but should be rectified to meet legal lighting standards. Beyond the recorded defects, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant a thorough visual and functional audit. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread delamination and uneven wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components; replace any tyre that is approaching the legal tread depth or shows age‑related hardening. Check the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine brake discs for surface corrosion, scoring or excessive thickness loss, and ensure calipers move freely without binding. Verify that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended service intervals, looking for signs of moisture or sludge. Finally, look for rust on wheel arches, sills and under‑body panels, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any previous suspension repairs, as these records will help gauge how well the car has been maintained despite its high mileage.