2016 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · AH02 ARP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 21 August 2026, resulted in a failure. The failure was caused by a near‑side front tyre with a cut that breaches the ply, which is a safety‑critical defect, and the vehicle also carries several advisories concerning tyre condition and front brake disc wear. Over the preceding five years the MOT record shows a pattern of recurring brake‑disc advisories but no outright failures until now, indicating that the braking system has been monitored but not yet required replacement, while tyre health has deteriorated to the point of non‑compliance. The trend therefore shifts from a generally stable maintenance history to a deteriorating state, primarily driven by tyre degradation. The recorded mileage of 24 766 mi for a ten‑year‑old 2016 Peugeot 208 equates to roughly 2 500 mi per annum, which is considerably below the average usage for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage. While low mileage reduces wear on engine and transmission components, it can exacerbate age‑related issues such as rubber hardening, battery sulphation, and corrosion of metal parts that are not exercised regularly. The recent tyre failures are consistent with tyres that have been on the vehicle for a decade despite limited mileage, highlighting the importance of calendar‑based tyre replacement. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front tyres. Verify that the near‑side front tyre is replaced and that the off‑side front tyre, which has a superficial cut, is either repaired to a satisfactory standard or fitted with a new tyre. Examine the rear tyres for sidewall cracking, tread delamination or dry‑rot, as they are ten years old and likely to be beyond their service life regardless of tread depth. On a test drive, listen for any thumping or vibration that may indicate uneven tyre wear or a developing wheel‑balance issue, and feel for any pull to one side that could suggest a mis‑aligned or damaged tyre. Also inspect the brake discs; although the MOT advisories note they are not yet seriously weakened, measuring disc thickness and checking for scoring or rust will indicate whether resurfacing or replacement is imminent. Pay close attention to pedal feel, any pulsation during braking, and any squeal that could signal worn pads or glazed surfaces. Beyond the tyres and brakes, conduct a thorough age‑related inspection. Check the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as long periods of inactivity can lead to sulphation and reduced capacity. Inspect the suspension bushings, ball joints and shock absorbers for signs of cracking, leakage or excessive play, since rubber components can deteriorate even with low mileage. Examine the under‑carriage for corrosion, especially around the exhaust system, wheel arches and chassis rails, which may have been accelerated by moisture during storage. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and appear clear; consider a full fluid change if the service history does not show recent calendar‑based servicing. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and that any outstanding recall work for the model has been completed. These checks will give a prospective buyer a realistic picture of the vehicle’s current roadworthiness and the near‑term maintenance required.