2020 Peugeot 308 1.5L Diesel · CX20 ABF

The vehicle’s roadworthiness record demonstrates a concerning trend of recurring mechanical and electrical faults over the past year, despite passing its most recent MOT on 8 November 2025. The October 2025 failure for excessive emissions and faulty headlamps, followed by a near-miss failure in late October for a deteriorated anti-roll bar dust cover, suggests inconsistent maintenance rather than a sudden catastrophic issue. While the November 2025 pass indicates temporary corrections—such as addressing the oil leak and anti-roll bar linkage—these were not sustained, as evidenced by the repeat failure just five days later. The front anti-roll bar linkage has been a persistent problem since March 2025, with the near-side joint’s dust cover failing twice in quick succession, indicating either neglect or a deeper alignment or suspension issue that hasn’t been properly resolved. The recorded mileage of 136,520 miles over six years equates to approximately 22,753 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age and type. This rapid accumulation raises immediate concerns about accelerated wear on critical components, particularly the suspension, brakes, and drivetrain. The gaps between tests—particularly the 29-day interval between the October and November 2025 failures—suggest the vehicle was driven despite known defects, which is both unsafe and indicative of either poor owner oversight or a reluctance to address issues promptly. The lack of a pre-MOT service record further complicates trust in the vehicle’s condition, as many of the failures (e.g., headlamps, emissions) could have been prevented with basic upkeep. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the front anti-roll bar linkage and associated suspension components, as the repeated failures of the ball joint dust covers imply either worn linkages or misalignment. The oil leak, while not excessive in the most recent tests, warrants closer examination of the engine bay for signs of corrosion or degraded seals, particularly around the timing belt cover or valve cover. The 2025 emissions failure suggests either a failing catalytic converter or a misfiring engine, so a diagnostic scan for fault codes is essential. Structural integrity should also be assessed, particularly around the wheel arches and suspension mounts, as high mileage increases the risk of corrosion-induced failure in these areas. The seat belt webbing damage, though minor, indicates potential wear in the cabin’s interior components, which may extend to other wiring or harnesses. Transparency from the seller about any off-record repairs or servicing will be critical to verifying whether these issues have been properly addressed.