2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · AX16 SHJ

A pattern of tyre and brake wear has emerged across the MOT history of this 2016 Vauxhall Mokka, with the most recent test on 22 January 2026 passing but flagging both rear brake pads as wearing thin. The earlier test in January 2024 recorded a front flexi exhaust leak alongside tyres worn close to the legal limit on both sides, and in January 2023 the vehicle actually failed on a deep off-side rear tyre defect that penetrated to the ply or cords, though it subsequently passed the same day once rectified. Across five recorded events the car has consistently passed, but the recurring pattern of tyres reaching the minimum tread depth and rear brake pads thinning suggests that consumable wear is advancing in line with normal service intervals. The only structural or corrosion-related flag across the entire history is the 2024 exhaust leak, and there are no advisories relating to suspension components, subframes, brake lines, or fluid leaks, which is a reassuring indicator of the underlying chassis condition. The recorded mileage of 73,860 miles over a ten-year period equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 7,386 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and likely reflects a mix of urban and short-to-medium distance use rather than sustained motorway driving. There are no significant gaps between tests or unusual mileage jumps evident from the supplied records, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods, which reduces the likelihood of dried seals, perished coolant hoses, or a heavily sulfated battery being immediate concerns. A consistent annual mileage of this nature tends to produce even, predictable degradation of friction surfaces and tyres, aligning well with the type of brake and tyre advisories observed, rather than the irregular stress patterns sometimes associated with low-mileage vehicles used only for short journeys or, conversely, high-mileage fleet use. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical checks centre on the components that have already begun to show wear. With both rear brake pads flagged as thin at the most recent test, a physical inspection of pad material thickness and a check of the rear brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting should be carried out, as worn pads left unaddressed will quickly accelerate disc wear. On a test drive, any signs of rear brake binding such as the vehicle pulling slightly on a lightly loaded footbrake release, or a handbrake that requires excessive lever travel, would warrant further investigation of the caliper mechanisms. The front flexi exhaust leak recorded in 2024 should be confirmed as repaired, either by inspecting the joint for fresh soot deposits or by listening for any ticking or escaping gas noise from a cold start, as a recurring issue here can indicate the flexible section has fatigued and may need replacement. The tyre history deserves particular scrutiny, as the vehicle has now been flagged for tread wear, cracking, and a deep cut in successive tests. A close examination of all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking, or bulges is essential, and the age of the current tyres should be checked regardless of remaining tread depth, particularly given the recurring pattern of premature wear which can sometimes indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak shock absorber damping. On the road, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and pay attention to whether the steering pulls to either direction under steady acceleration or braking, as either symptom would suggest geometry or component wear not yet severe enough to trigger an MOT failure but worth addressing before purchase. Finally, the minor windscreen damage noted on the offside in January 2025 should be visually confirmed as remaining non-obstructive and not having progressed into a longer fracture, as windscreen replacement on this model can be a relatively modest expense but is worth factoring into any negotiation.