2009 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · CE09 VVG

The most recent MOT test on 30 March 2026 resulted in a pass, although an advisory was issued for slight play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint. Looking at the broader pattern of results, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2020, but the advisory notes are gradually increasing in both quantity and seriousness. In 2020, 2021, and 2022 the tests were entirely free of advisories, whereas 2023 brought multiple wear-related advisories covering steering play, front tyre wear, and front brake pad condition, alongside a failure for an inoperative nearside windscreen wiper. The 2025 and 2026 tests have further developed the steering concerns with advisories on the steering rack inner joint and both track rod end ball joints, plus tyre damage and perishing on the rear axle. This represents a clear worsening trend in mechanical condition, with steering component wear progressing steadily and consumable items requiring more frequent attention as the vehicle accumulates mileage and age. With 131,358 miles recorded over 17 years, the vehicle averages roughly 7,700 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its cohort but sits at the lower end of average annual usage. The mileage progression between tests, from 2020 through to 2026, suggests consistent but moderate use, with no extended standing periods or sudden mileage spikes evident in the recorded data. This level of usage is generally favourable for long-term drivetrain longevity as components have been regularly worked, though it does mean that wear-sensitive items such as suspension joints, engine mounts, clutch, and dual-mass flywheel if fitted will have accumulated considerable fatigue over the years. The relatively gentle annual mileage reduces the likelihood of severe corrosion from short cold journeys but does not eliminate the age-related degradation typical of a 17-year-old vehicle. The recurring advisories relating to track rod end ball joints and steering rack inner joint free play warrant particular attention from a prospective buyer. The progression from slight steering rack free play noted in 2023 to inner joint play in 2025 and now ball joint play in 2026 suggests that the steering assembly is approaching the point where component renewal will be necessary. On a test drive, listen and feel for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, vagueness or wandering in the steering response, uneven or feathered tyre wear across the front axle, and any vibration through the steering wheel at speed. Given that the offside ball joint was flagged in 2025 and the nearside in 2026, both sides may now require attention, and a full steering inspection including rack mount bushes is advisable. The 2023 advisory regarding worn front tyres on the edges, combined with the more recent advisory on rear tyre perishing and damage, indicates that the buyer should budget for a full set of replacement tyres, paying particular attention to any cracking on the sidewalls or between the tread blocks which is common on a vehicle of this age even with reasonable tread depth. Beyond the documented advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection commensurate with the vehicle's age and mileage. Check the 12V battery for holding charge and cranking performance, as batteries typically require replacement on a three to five year cycle and original units will have been changed multiple times. Inspect brake discs for corrosion ridges or lipping at the friction surface edges, and verify that calipers are not binding by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when released on level ground. Examine all underbonnet hoses, drive belts, and coolant and brake fluid for signs of degradation, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. With the documented progression of steering component wear, a budget of several hundred pounds for renewal of track rod ends, and potentially steering rack inner joints or bushes, should be anticipated, alongside fitting new tyres and front brake pads. Finally, verify the service book history, confirming regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, and check for any signs of oil leaks from the engine, gearbox, or power steering system which would be consistent with a high-mileage example of this age.