2019 Peugeot 308 2.0L Diesel · AF19 CVJ

The defining mechanical story of this 2019 Peugeot 308 is a pattern of recurring front suspension wear, compounded by a dangerous tyre failure that resulted in a fail at the most recent attempt before the latest pass. Front suspension arm pin or bush wear has been flagged at every test since 2024, appearing on both nearside and offside sides and recorded at three consecutive examinations, which indicates a progressive deterioration rather than an isolated finding. The 2025-03-27 test was failed on a Dangerous rear tyre bulge caused by structural separation, while the same day produced a separate pass entry with advisories for the same suspension items, suggesting the tyre issue was addressed quickly and the car returned to the road within the same inspection cycle. The most recent test on 2026-03-25 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which on the surface presents an improving trend, but the underlying record shows chronic front suspension component wear that warrants close physical inspection. The recorded mileage of 129,248 miles over approximately seven years equates to an annual accumulation of around 18,464 miles, which is notably high for a vehicle of this class and age. This level of use places sustained demand on consumable and drivetrain components, with brake friction material, tyres, suspension bushes, and clutch or dual-mass flywheel wear all progressing more rapidly than they would on a lower-mileage example. The MOT history does not show any extended gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use throughout the recorded period rather than left standing, which avoids the particular concerns associated with prolonged lay-ups but does not reduce the mechanical wear burden implied by the mileage figure. The absence of mileage readings within the MOT records themselves limits cross-checking against any unusual annual jumps, but the consistency of testing year on year points to continuous operational use consistent with the high total. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension arm pin or bush wear that has been repeatedly flagged is the primary area for physical scrutiny. These components should be examined for any free play by rocking each front wheel fore and aft at the 9 and 3 o'clock position, with the vehicle raised if possible, and the tester should listen for clonks or knocks when traversing uneven road surfaces or speed bumps. Both lower arms and the anti-roll bar drop links are common wear points on the Peugeot 308 and should be checked for perished or cracked rubber, separated bonding, and play in the ball joints. The 2024 advisory noted an oil leak, not classified as excessive, which should be investigated by inspecting the engine and undertray for fresh residue around the sump, cam cover, or turbo oil feed area if applicable, and noting whether drips are present on the ground after the vehicle has been parked overnight. The 2023 advisory for thinning front brake pads is also worth confirming, measuring remaining friction material against the backing plate and checking the discs for lipping, hot spots, or corrosion around the outer edge. On a road test, the buyer should focus on subjective behaviour that may reflect the flagged components. Steering should remain precise and self-centring, with no vagueness through the straight-ahead or any knocking sensation over broken surfaces, while braking should produce a firm pedal without judder, pulling to one side, or any grinding. The 2022 advisories for tyres worn close to the legal limit on all four corners and the subsequent dangerous rear tyre failure in 2025 highlight the need to confirm the age, brand, and condition of the current tyres, including even wear patterns and adequate tread depth across the full width of each carcass. A final under-bonnet and underside visual check with a torch is advisable to look for corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipe integrity, and any signs of fluid weeping around the engine and transmission joiners, given the high-mileage context and the recorded oil leak.