2014 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Petrol · DA14 XJB

The most recent MOT test on 22 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, but only immediately following a FAIL on the same date with a Dangerous defect for nearside rear inner brake pads measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, accompanied by advisories noting a binding rear service brake, low coolant, and a minor exhaust gas leak from the front flexi section. The pattern across the recorded MOT history suggests a maintenance trend that is best described as mixed to worsening, with a succession of suspension, tyre, and brake-related advisories and failures appearing annually rather than being resolved comprehensively from one test to the next. The 2024 test recorded Major defects for split front suspension wishbone ball joint dust covers and major tyre failures with sidewall cords exposed on both rear tyres, followed by further wishbone dust cover failures in 2025 and a Dangerous brake pad wear failure in 2026. The cumulative record indicates that components are being attended to reactively rather than preventatively, and a prospective buyer should not assume the 2026 pass represents a fully resolved mechanical condition. The recorded mileage of 45,015 miles over a 12-year vehicle age equates to an average annual mileage of around 3,751 miles, which is notably low and consistent with either limited regular use or extended periods of standing. The MOT records show broadly consistent annual submissions at typical test intervals, but the low accumulated mileage raises considerations typical of low-use vehicles, including calendar-based degradation of fluids and rubbers, standing corrosion on brake discs, and potential battery deterioration from infrequent use. Conversely, the brake wear failures and suspension dust cover deterioration noted over the last three tests confirm that despite low mileage, the components are still subject to age-related perishing, road exposure, and brake pad material loss over time. A prospective buyer should treat the recurring suspension and brake advisories as the principal areas of inspection priority. The front wishbone ball joint dust covers have been noted as split on both sides across two consecutive tests, which is a classic sign of rubber perishing and allows dirt and moisture ingress that accelerates wear of the actual ball joint, potentially leading to excessive play, knocking or clonking over bumps, and uneven front tyre wear. A careful test drive over uneven surfaces and during full-lock manoeuvres is essential to listen for suspension clonks and to check for uneven inner-edge tyre wear. On the rear brake assembly, the repeated advisory of a binding nearside rear service brake alongside a Dangerous brake pad defect on the 2026 test suggests the caliper mechanism may be seizing or the handbrake cable may be sticking, which can manifest as a dragging sensation, pulling to one side under braking, brake judder from overheated or warped discs, or uneven rear tyre wear. The vehicle should be road-tested with the handbrake released to confirm the rear rotates freely, and a thorough inspection of the rear brake discs for corrosion lipping and the caliper sliders for smooth operation is strongly advised. Beyond the recorded MOT findings, attention should also be directed to age-related items that low mileage may have masked. The 2026 advisories noted low coolant and a minor exhaust flexi leak, which together may indicate a coolant system leak at the flexi joint or elsewhere, and the cooling system should be pressure-tested and the radiator and hoses inspected for residual seepage. Tyre condition should be carefully examined for sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, given the 2023 and 2024 advisories noting perished rear tyres and exposed sidewall cords, as a twelve-year-old vehicle is highly susceptible to age-related rubber failure even at adequate tread depths. Other practical checks should include verification of recent brake fluid and coolant changes in line with time-based service schedules, a 12-volt battery health test due to likely standing periods, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion on structural and suspension components, and confirmation that all documented advisory and defect repairs have been carried out to a satisfactory standard with supporting invoices.