2013 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · DS13 AAU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 August 2026, following a prior failure recorded just eleven days earlier on 13 August 2026. That earlier test was issued with three Major defects relating to exhaust emissions exceeding the manufacturer carbon monoxide threshold and Lambda reading limits after the second fast idle, parking brake efficiency below the required level, plus a Minor defect for an insecure battery. All three Major items were rectified at the retest, leaving only an advisory note for a slightly damaged nearside front tyre and the same Minor battery observation carried over. Looking at the broader history, the pattern is not one of consistent neglect but rather of a vehicle that was clearly brought up to standard before being offered for sale. The previous annual test in August 2025 was a retest scenario as well, with the initial failure attributable to two Minor lighting defects that were subsequently addressed. The advisory items on that occasion, namely slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, deterioration of the nearside front passenger door hinge, and front brake pads and discs showing wear, are the kind of observations that should not be ignored going forward. With a recorded mileage of 83,088 against an age of approximately thirteen years, this Peugeot 208 has covered an average of around 6,391 miles annually, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a small car of this vintage. There is no evidence of either very low annual mileage that would raise concerns about prolonged standing, or excessive high-mileage accumulation that would imply motorway use or taxi-style duty. A relatively average annual figure does, however, still place significant wear on consumable items over thirteen years, and it is worth noting that 83,088 miles is a point at which certain components on a 208 of this generation can be approaching the latter stages of their designed service life, particularly clutch wear on manual variants, timing chain stretch on certain petrol engines, and general suspension component fatigue. The recurring advisory on the nearside front tyre, appearing in both 2026 tests, is a small but persistent concern. Even where damage is described as slight, it warrants a close physical inspection of the sidewall for any cuts, bulges, or cracking, and an assessment of remaining tread depth, as the same wheel has been flagged twice in quick succession. The track rod end ball joint play recorded in 2025 is another item that should be followed up, as excessive wear in this joint leads to vague or wandering steering, uneven front tyre wear typically on the inner or outer shoulder, and knocking or clunking sounds from the front suspension, particularly over speed humps or rough surfaces. A test drive should include tight低速 manoeuvres where any clunking or slack in the steering becomes apparent, together with a check of the front tyres for uneven wear patterns. The front brake pads and discs flagged as wearing thin and worn respectively in 2025 are also due for renewed attention, as worn discs can produce brake shudder under heavy application, while thin pads risk metal-to-metal contact if not replaced. Beyond the items recorded on the MOT history, a prospective buyer should carry out age and mileage related checks consistent with a thirteen year old vehicle. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, and coolant systems of this era are prone to internal corrosion that can lead to water pump or thermostat housing failures, so a check of coolant condition and any staining around the pump area is worthwhile. The 12V battery, which is flagged as insecure on the latest test, should be properly clamped down and its state of health verified, as batteries in vehicles of this age frequently deteriorate and can leave the car non-starting without warning. The exhaust system, having just been through emissions testing, should be physically inspected underneath for corrosion, heat shield security, and any blowing joints, since exhaust components on a 208 of this age are known to suffer from corrosion at the flexi joint and rear silencer. Tyres that are original or several years old should be checked carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, even if the tread depth is adequate, and a check of the spare wheel or tyre repair kit should be made. Finally, given the advisory on the door hinge, opening and closing the nearside front passenger door several times to confirm smooth operation and listening for any creaking or binding will establish whether further attention is needed.