2008 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · CP57 TXG

The Peugeot 308 in question presents a clean MOT history with no defects recorded at its most recent test in August 2022, when it covered 150,704 miles. This suggests a stable roadworthiness trend, at least in the short term, with no immediate mechanical or safety concerns flagged by the tester. The absence of advisories or minor faults in that test indicates that the vehicle met all DVSA thresholds for emissions, brakes, lighting, and structural integrity at that point. However, the significant gap of over four years since the last MOT—nearly half the vehicle’s age—raises questions about its ongoing condition. Without a recent inspection, there’s no way to confirm whether components like suspension bushes, brake discs, or exhaust systems have degraded beyond acceptable limits. The recorded mileage of 150,704 miles over 18 years equates to roughly 8,372 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. This suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive wear from high mileage, but nor has it been driven infrequently enough to preserve components beyond normal service intervals. The lack of prior MOT entries in the record means there’s no historical data to track wear trends—whether issues like corrosion, tyre degradation, or fluid leaks have been addressed proactively. For a buyer, this absence of maintenance history is a red flag, as it implies either neglect or deliberate avoidance of testing, both of which could mask underlying problems. Given the sparse MOT data, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection, particularly focusing on suspension components such as coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, which are prone to wear in vehicles of this age and mileage. The rear brakes should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as these are common failure points in the 308’s braking system. Structural integrity is another critical area—rust in wheel arches, sills, or subframe connections can compromise safety, especially in a car this old. Additionally, fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering) and tyre condition should be verified, as these are often overlooked in vehicles with inconsistent maintenance records. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions components warrant close scrutiny, given the DVSA’s increasing emphasis on pollution controls. While the 2022 MOT passed without emissions-related faults, a four-year gap means there’s no guarantee the system remains compliant. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, including a compression test and brake latency check, would provide clarity on the vehicle’s true condition beyond what the MOT record reveals.