2018 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · DV18 AAJ

A clear pattern emerges from this Mokka's MOT record centred on the tyres, with a dangerous failure in mid-2021 caused by exposed ply or cords on the nearside front tyre accompanied by advisories for edge wear and nails in two other tyres. The vehicle was retested just eight days later and passed, suggesting the offending tyre was replaced and the nails repaired, but the underlying advisory for offside front edge wear reappeared at the same test, indicating a tracking or suspension geometry issue that may never have been properly addressed. Beyond that isolated tyre episode, the record is otherwise unremarkable: a single failed stop lamp on the nearside rear in 2024 was a straightforward electrical fix, and the most recent test on 3 August 2026 produced a pass with only a non-excessive oil leak advisory and minor defects noted on both front wiper blades. There is no evidence in the record of recurring brake, suspension, exhaust, or structural corrosion advisories, which for a Vauxhall of this vintage is a relatively positive indicator given the known propensity for subframe and brake pipe corrosion on PSA-derived platforms of similar age. The recorded mileage of 56,623 over approximately eight years equates to an annual accumulation of around 7,000 miles, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a car of this age and type. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing cycle, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous road use without extended periods off the road that might otherwise mask deterioration of components prone to seizing, such as the rear brake calipers or handbrake mechanism. The mileage progression between tests appears broadly linear, with no sudden jumps that would imply clocking or inconsistent recording. At this rate of use, the major mechanical consumables (brake pads, discs, tyres, and the timing chain if fitted) will have been exercised regularly, which is generally favourable for preventing the kind of corrosion and drying-out issues that afflict low-mileage or stored vehicles. For a prospective buyer, the most relevant items to scrutinise on inspection are those directly linked to the recorded advisories. The oil leak noted in the 2026 test was judged not excessive, but it warrants a physical examination of the engine and undertray for the source, paying particular attention to the valve cover gasket, sump plug, and oil filter housing, which are common leak points on the 1.4 turbo and 1.6 CDTI units fitted to this model. On a test drive, listen for any ticking or rattling from the engine on cold start that could indicate hydraulic lifter issues or timing chain stretch, and watch the oil pressure light carefully on initial ignition. With regard to the historical tyre concerns, have the nearside and offside front wheels inspected for uneven shoulder wear, which would point to worn suspension bushes, a bent strut, or incorrect wheel alignment; any pulling to one side under braking or a wandering sensation at speed would reinforce this concern. The 2021 advisory referencing edge wear on the offside front is worth investigating specifically because uneven inner-edge wear often traces back to the front lower wishbone bushes or the anti-roll bar drop links, both of which are known wear items on the Mokka and can degrade handling before they show up in an MOT test. Check for clonking noises from the front end over speed bumps or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and rock each front wheel by hand at the hub to detect any play in the strut top mount or wheel bearing. Finally, although the MOT record does not flag corrosion, a Vauxhall of this age and platform frequently develops surface rust on the rear axle beam and brake pipe unions, so a torch inspection of the underbody and a check that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline are prudent measures before committing to purchase.