2013 Vauxhall Mokka 1.7L Diesel · AF63 HDL

A recurring pattern of front suspension wear is the defining mechanical theme of this Mokka's MOT history, with the offside front suspension arm ball joint appearing as an advisory in three consecutive tests (2025 January, 2025 January failed presentation, and 2026 January) and a nearside front ball joint dust cover failing for ingress in 2025. The 2025 test cycle also produced a major failure for excessive play in the nearside track rod end and an advisory for steering rack free play, both of which were rectified to allow a same-day pass. Front-end advisories on tyre wear appeared in 2022 and 2024, indicating a pattern of edge wear on the front tyres that warrants attention. The most recent test on 7 January 2026 was a pass with no major or dangerous defects, but the persistent advisory for slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint means this component has now been flagged for two consecutive cycles and should be considered a likely near-term replacement item rather than a benign note. Recorded mileage of 94,202 miles across roughly 13 years equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 7,250 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history contains annual test entries from 2022 onwards with no extended gaps, consistent with continuous use rather than long periods off the road. The mileage progression between tests, however, indicates steady accumulation rather than low use, and this is reflected in the wear pattern observed on suspension joints, steering components and tyres. With this mileage, the braking system, steering rack inner joints, and front suspension bushes will be approaching the end of their typical service life on this platform. A prospective buyer should treat the front suspension and steering components as the priority inspection areas. The offside front suspension arm ball joint has carried an advisory for slight play across two tests, so on a test drive listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or rattle through the steering wheel on rough roads. The track rod end and steering rack have also been flagged, so check for uneven tyre wear on the inside or outside shoulders of the front tyres, any wandering or pulling at speed, and free play in the steering before the front wheels respond. Have the vehicle inspected on a ramp if possible, paying particular attention to the condition of both front suspension arm ball joints, their dust covers, the track rod ends, and the steering rack gaiters for any splitting or grease loss. The braking and tyre history also deserves direct scrutiny. The 2022 failure for an excessively twisted offside front brake hose points to a component that, on this platform, can perish internally even when the outer surface looks acceptable, so depress the brake pedal firmly with the engine running and watch for any delayed return, sponginess, or loss of pedal travel, and inspect the hoses themselves for cracking or deformation under steering lock. Given repeated advisories for front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, confirm that the current tyres have even wear across the tread and are not feathering or chamfered, which would suggest the underlying suspension or steering geometry faults have not been fully resolved. Finally, the windscreen has been recorded as damaged on the last two tests, so examine it carefully for any spreading cracks in the driver's eyeline area that could fail a future MOT.