2018 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · DF18 KCV

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 February 2026 resulted in a pass, though two advisories were recorded concerning front tyres worn close to the legal limit and a nearside rear tyre exhibiting slight damage, cracking, or perishing. These advisories are consistent with the pattern observed across the previous test in February 2025, which also flagged front tyres nearing the legal limit, indicating a recurring wear characteristic rather than an isolated finding. Looking at the broader trend, the 2024 examination produced a major defect for a fractured offside rear coil spring alongside advisories for low coolant, a worn rear tyre, and rear brake pads thinning, suggesting that mid-life the vehicle experienced several wear-related issues. The absence of any major or minor failures on the two most recent tests, combined with only tyre-related advisories, demonstrates a stabilising maintenance profile, though the repeat front tyre wear observation warrants continued monitoring. With 53,396 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,670 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and segment, reflecting a mix of urban and light commuting use rather than sustained high-mileage motorway work. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing history to suggest prolonged standing, and the annual mileage progression appears consistent without any abrupt jumps that would indicate clock-related anomalies or heavy commercial use. At this mileage level, one would reasonably expect the brake discs, clutch (if applicable), and suspension components to have undergone at least one cycle of wear, and the recorded advisories align with that expectation. The absence of advisories relating to exhaust emissions, lighting, or structural corrosion throughout the test record is a positive indicator of overall condition. Given the recurring front tyre edge wear advisories, a prospective buyer should closely inspect the front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which on a Mokka of this era often points to worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or slight tracking misalignment rather than simple inflation issues. It is advisable to check the rear coil springs visually for any signs of corrosion pitting or sagging, particularly given the documented fracture in 2024, and to listen for any clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces during a test drive, which would indicate bush deterioration or a failing shock absorber. The rear brake pads were noted as thinning in 2024, so the inner and outer pad material should be physically inspected for remaining friction material, and the rear brake discs examined for lipping, scoring, or corrosion pitting, especially given that lower annual mileage can allow surface rust to develop on standing vehicles. Brake binding should also be tested by driving forward gently and confirming the vehicle rolls freely without pulling. In addition to the wear-related items flagged on the MOT record, age-appropriate checks should be carried out regardless of the clean test history. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing, particularly on the nearside rear as advised, as rubber compounds degrade with age independent of tread depth and a tyre older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of remaining tread. The 12 volt battery health should be verified, as Mokka models of this generation are known to suffer from premature battery failure, often manifesting as starting hesitation or random electrical faults. Coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should be checked for condition and age, with brake fluid particularly susceptible to moisture absorption over time and ideally replaced every two years regardless of mileage. A thorough underside inspection for any fluid leaks, exhaust corrosion, or weeping seals is recommended, along with confirmation of a complete service history to verify that cambelt and ancillary drive components have been attended to in line with manufacturer schedules.