2016 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · DX66 JFG

The most recent MOT on 14 May 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the last three years the pattern shows a mixed picture: a failure in April 2024 was driven by a major front wheel‑bearing fault and a series of advisories have persisted, yet the subsequent passes in 2024 and 2025 and the clean result in 2026 suggest that the main issues have been addressed and the overall maintenance trend is stabilising rather than deteriorating. At ten years old the car has logged 65 469 miles, which works out to roughly 6 500 miles per annum – a usage rate that sits comfortably within the normal band for a small family hatchback. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would imply long periods of storage, so the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is likely to be proportional to the recorded mileage rather than to calendar ageing alone. The recurring advisories merit close inspection before purchase. The front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted and scored in 2025; while not yet a safety‑critical failure, progressive disc thinning can lead to reduced braking efficiency and a pulsating pedal, especially under heavy braking. The front wheel bearing on the nearside was declared excessive play in the 2024 failure – a symptom that typically presents as a humming or grinding noise that intensifies with vehicle speed and cornering. Both the central and off‑side front exhaust mountings have been flagged as defective on three occasions; a compromised mount can cause exhaust vibration, increased cabin noise and, over time, stress to the surrounding chassis. Tyre condition also requires attention: the nearside rear tyre showed early cracking or perishing and the off‑side front tyre contained a nail, both of which can precipitate sudden loss of pressure or tread failure. Finally, the nearside registration plate lamp was inoperative at the 2024 test, a simple electrical fault that should be rectified to avoid a repeat failure. A prospective buyer should verify that the wheel bearing has been replaced or serviced, confirm the brake discs are within minimum thickness limits, ensure all exhaust mounts are secure, and demand that the affected tyres be replaced or repaired, with the registration lamp restored. Beyond the specific MOT items, age‑related checks are advisable. Examine the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking that can occur even on low‑mileage cars left stationary for long periods, and confirm that the tyre tread depth meets legal limits. Inspect the suspension bushings, ball joints and coil springs for any signs of corrosion, cracking or excessive play, which would manifest as clunking noises over bumps. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check for any signs of sulfation, as a ten‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Verify that coolant, engine oil and brake fluid have been changed at appropriate intervals – fluids degrade with time regardless of mileage and can lead to corrosion or reduced braking performance. During a test drive, listen for any unusual noises from the wheel bearings or suspension, feel for any pulling or vibration that could indicate tyre or alignment issues, and assess the firmness of the brake pedal and the absence of shudder when applying the brakes. Addressing these points will give a clear indication of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.