2018 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · CX18 AVR

The most recent MOT tests for this 2018 Peugeot 308, conducted on consecutive days in July 2024 at 168,779 miles, reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures without recorded defects. This suggests either a technical oversight in the testing process or a vehicle that narrowly avoided serious failings despite high mileage. The previous cycle in July 2023 also demonstrated instability, with a failure at 151,613 miles followed by a pass at 151,619 miles—just six miles later—indicating potential intermittent issues that evaded consistent detection. The overall trend is unstable, with no evidence of consistent maintenance or resolution of underlying problems. The lack of advisories or defects in any test implies either a meticulous tester or a vehicle that has thus far avoided catastrophic failures, though the repeated failures at the same mileage mark warrant scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 168,779 miles over eight years suggests unusually high annual usage, averaging around 21,000 miles per year—a rate significantly above the UK average for vehicles of this age. The gap between tests is consistent at one year, but the rapid accumulation of mileage between failures in 2023 (just six miles apart) and 2024 (no mileage progression recorded) raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven extensively between tests or stood idle during the testing window. The absence of any mileage between the 2023 failure and pass is particularly notable, as it implies either a retest or a vehicle that was not moved between appointments, which could indicate a lack of regular use or a deliberate attempt to pass inspection without addressing wear. Given the repeated failures without defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and pads, as binding brakes are a common cause of MOT failures that may not always be immediately obvious. The suspension components—including coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for uneven wear or corrosion, especially given the high mileage. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be checked for corrosion, as this is a critical failure point for vehicles of this age and mileage. The lack of advisories in any test also suggests that any issues were either minor or only just meeting the pass threshold, so thorough visual and functional checks are essential to avoid overlooking latent problems.