2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Diesel · CD08 MCC

The most recent MOT on 25 June 2026 was passed, but it carried three advisories concerning the off‑side rear tyre protruding beyond the wheel arch and wear on both front MacPherson strut pins or bushes. Over the last five years the vehicle has moved from two major failures – a fuel‑hose leak and a severely worn front ball joint in 2023, and a complete engine MIL fault together with a faulty fog lamp and front ball‑joint wear in 2025 – to a series of advisory items only. This pattern suggests that the major defects have been remedied and the car’s condition is stabilising, although the persistence of front suspension bush wear and tyre condition warnings indicates that wear items are now the dominant concern. At ten years old the recorded 56 530 miles equates to roughly 5 600 miles per annum, which is well below the average for a family hatchback of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or long spells of storage. While low mileage reduces cumulative wear on engine and drivetrain components, it can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and battery capacity, and may hide corrosion that develops when a vehicle sits for extended periods. Prospective owners should therefore treat the mileage figure as a guide rather than a guarantee of component longevity. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front suspension. The repeated advisory on MacPherson strut pins and bushes means the rubber inserts are approaching their service limit; feel for any clunk or knock when applying the brakes or driving over bumps, and check for any looseness in the steering rack or wheel‑turn feel. Verify that the front ball joints have been replaced since the 2025 failure – look for fresh grease seals and a tight fit of the joint caps, and listen for any metallic squeak when the wheels are turned at low speed. The off‑side rear tyre protrusion suggests the tyre may be out‑of‑round or the wheel arch may be damaged; examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulges, confirm the tread depth is well above the legal minimum, and ensure the wheel is correctly centred in the arch with no rubbing. A quick visual check of the engine bay for any lingering fuel‑hose leaks, a functioning off‑side fog lamp, and a clear MIL indicator on the dashboard are also essential, as these were previously flagged as major faults. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Inspect the 12 V battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage; a battery older than five years may need replacement even if it appears to hold a charge. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – for colour, clarity and correct level, remembering that time‑based degradation can occur even without high mileage. Look for signs of under‑body corrosion, especially around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, which can develop when a car sits idle for long periods. Finally, review the service book for evidence of regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service, and any recorded replacement of suspension components, as a well‑documented service history will give greater confidence in the car’s long‑term reliability.