2008 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · CK08 ABZ

A persistent engine oil leak has been flagged at every single MOT test on record since March 2020, with the same advisory wording repeated six times in succession, including at the most recent pass on 25 March 2025. Each instance has been recorded as not excessive, meaning the leak has not yet been deemed sufficient to constitute a failure, but the continuity of this advisory strongly suggests an unresolved sealing or gasket issue that has been present for at least five years. The only outright failure in the recorded history is a nearside rear stop lamp defect logged on 8 March 2022, which was remedied on the same date, and the vehicle has subsequently passed four consecutive tests. Aside from the chronic oil leak, the 2025 test introduced a new advisory concerning worn and pitted rear brake discs, together with a note that the rear shock absorbers have slightly worn bushes on both sides, both of which warrant closer inspection given the vehicle's age and mileage accumulation. The recorded odometer reading of 146,369 miles across 18 years equates to an average of roughly 8,132 miles annually, which sits close to the typical accumulation rate for a vehicle of this age and represents genuinely high overall use for a 2008 Peugeot 308. The MOT history shows a consistent annual testing pattern from 2019 through 2025 with no significant gaps, indicating the car has remained in regular service and on-road use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. A 2019 advisory noted a deformed nearside front integral body structure localised to the sill, flagged as not significantly reducing structural rigidity, but this area should be examined carefully for any subsequent corrosion progression, particularly given the mileage and age. The combination of relatively high mileage and uninterrupted annual use places corresponding mechanical demand on the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking components, which is consistent with the pattern of wear-related advisories seen in recent years. For a prospective buyer, the oil leak warrants the most immediate and thorough investigation. On a cold start, listen for any change in engine note that might suggest worn seals, and check the underside of the engine and bellhousing for fresh oil accumulation or staining. The engine oil level should be verified on the dipstick before any test drive, and the oil filler cap and surrounding cam cover area inspected for signs of weeping. Given the leak has been documented consistently, it is advisable to budget for a likely repair, potentially involving the cam cover gasket, sump gasket, or crankshaft seals, depending on the source. Under the vehicle, look closely for active drips, oil-soaked undertray, and any residue on the rear of the engine block. The rear brake discs and shock absorber bushes flagged in 2025 deserve a focused road test. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and undulating tarmac, which would indicate that the worn bushes have progressed beyond the slightly worn stage recorded. Apply the brakes firmly from moderate speed to check for any vibration, judder, or pulsing through the brake pedal, which would suggest the pitted rear discs have worn beyond their service limit. The front end, which had a track rod end ball joint with slight play noted in 2021, should be checked for any looseness or knocking when turning at low speed or traversing potholes, and the front inner brake discs, which were pitted in 2021, warrant a visual inspection through the wheel for lipping or excessive wear. Finally, inspect the nearside front sill area referenced in 2019 for any bubbling, perforation, or fresh underseal application that might indicate ongoing corrosion.