2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · DP16 HGZ

A recurring weakness in the front suspension and tyre wear dominates the recent MOT history, culminating in a dangerous off‑side front inner tyre tread depth falling below the legal 1.6 mm limit on the 1 September 2026 test, together with a major defect to the nearside front track‑rod end dust cover that no longer prevents dirt ingress. Earlier failures show a pattern of fractured coil springs – off‑side front in 2023 and nearside rear in 2025 – and repeated advisories for corroded nearside rear coil spring and worn MacPherson strut pins or bushes on both front corners. While the vehicle has passed several subsequent tests, the persistence of these suspension‑related issues and the recent tyre safety failure indicate an ongoing structural and safety concern rather than a trend of improvement. At 92 471 miles the average annual mileage works out to roughly 9 200 mi per year, which is within the normal range for a ten‑year‑old Mokka. The MOT record shows no large gaps in testing, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. The mileage level places the car well into the service‑interval window for wear items such as suspension bushings, coil springs and brake components, meaning that the recorded wear on these parts is consistent with the distance covered and should be expected to be nearing the end of its useful life. When inspecting the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front tyre condition – look for uneven wear, sidewall damage and low tread on the off‑side inner tyre that prompted the dangerous failure, and verify that the nearside front tyre is not approaching the legal limit. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, especially when applying steering inputs, which can reveal a failing coil spring or a compromised track‑rod end dust cover allowing movement or contamination. Check for any looseness or play in the front MacPherson strut assemblies; worn pins or bushes often manifest as a vague knocking sensation or a slight wandering of the steering wheel under load. Inspect the rear suspension for signs of the previously fractured nearside rear coil spring – a sagging rear corner or a noticeable bounce after a short run can indicate that the spring has not been fully replaced or that corrosion has weakened it further. The brake system also warrants close scrutiny. The advisory for rear brake imbalance and the brake‑pad note from the 2026 test suggest that the rear braking force may be uneven, which can be felt as a pull to one side when applying the brakes or a pulsating pedal. Verify that the brake pads have sufficient thickness and that there is no excessive rotor run‑out, which would be evident as a juddering sensation under braking. Given the history of major suspension and tyre defects, a thorough professional inspection of the front track‑rod dust cover, coil springs, strut bushes and tyre tread depths is advisable before committing to purchase.