2018 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · DF67 XAV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 29 May 2026, was passed, although it recorded advisories that the nearside and off‑side rear brake pads are now thin. Over the last three years the vehicle has shown a mixed maintenance pattern: a clean pass in 2023, a series of wear advisories in 2024 and 2025, a serious failure in May 2026 involving a fractured off‑side front coil spring, a compromised ball‑joint dust cover and a rear tyre cut, followed by a subsequent pass after those items were presumably rectified. While the recent pass suggests the major faults have been addressed, the persistence of brake‑pad wear and the recurrence of tyre and suspension advisories indicate that the car is entering a phase where consumables and safety‑critical components will need close monitoring and likely replacement in the near term. At 50,464 mi recorded for an eight‑year‑old Mokka the annual average of roughly 6,300 mi is typical for a privately used vehicle and does not point to excessive wear from high mileage. The mileage progression appears steady with no obvious long periods of inactivity that might have hidden corrosion or fluid degradation. Nonetheless, the relatively modest mileage means that many wear items are more likely to be age‑related rather than purely mileage‑driven, so the buyer should be alert to perishing of rubber components and the condition of the cooling and lubrication systems. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the rear braking system: the thin pads on both sides will soon require replacement and may be accompanied by increased pedal travel, a high‑pitched squeal or a pulsating feel under braking. Verify that the rear discs are not scored and that there is no uneven pad wear that could signal caliper sticking. The off‑side front coil spring that fractured in the last MOT is a critical suspension element; check for any clunk or knock when applying the steering wheel or driving over bumps, and confirm that the spring is now correctly fitted and that the associated shock absorber shows no oil leakage. Inspect the ball‑joint dust cover on the same side – a missing or damaged cover can allow dirt ingress, leading to premature joint wear; feel for any play in the front wheel when the car is lifted and listen for any creaking from the suspension bushings. The rear tyre that was recorded with a cut through the ply must have been replaced; ensure the current tyres are of the correct size, have even tread depth, and that the sidewalls are free from cracking or perishing, especially given the vehicle’s age. A visual check of all tyre sidewalls for dry rot and a tyre pressure check will highlight any hidden damage. Beyond the specific MOT items, conduct a thorough age‑related inspection. Examine the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage, as batteries over eight years often lose capacity. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are within specification and that the fluids are not discoloured, which would indicate overdue changes. Look for any signs of rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body panels, particularly around the wheel wells where standing water can accelerate corrosion. Inspect the suspension bushings, especially the lower control‑arm and rear trailing‑arm bushes, for cracks or excessive play. Finally, confirm that the service history is documented with regular oil changes and that any major repairs, such as the coil‑spring replacement, are recorded with receipts or stamps, giving confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.