2018 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · DY68 UJD

This Vauxhall Mokka has demonstrated an inconsistent maintenance record with a recent failure in March 2026, despite passing the same test just hours earlier—a discrepancy that warrants immediate scrutiny. The most critical issue was the offside rear tyre bulge, indicative of a structural failure risk that cannot be overlooked. While the windscreen wiper fault is a minor consumable issue, the tyre defect alone renders the vehicle unroadworthy until professionally assessed. The March 2025 and March 2023 tests revealed recurring thin rear brake pads, suggesting either deferred servicing or aggressive driving habits, though no further brake-related failures have been recorded since. The recorded mileage of 47,319 miles over eight years—approximately 5,900 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity rather than light daily use. The most notable gap is between the 2024 and 2025 tests, where mileage jumped from 36,007 to 42,021—a 6,014-mile increase in a single year, which could imply either a sudden change in usage or an attempt to extend the MOT period by reducing mileage. The consistency of passing tests without defects in 2024 and 2026 (before the tyre failure) suggests the vehicle was mechanically sound at those points, though the repeated brake pad advisories indicate a pattern of neglect rather than urgent concern. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the offside rear tyre for internal damage, as bulges often signal impending blowouts. The suspension components, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, should be examined for wear or corrosion, given the age of the vehicle and the lack of structural advisories in previous tests. The braking system merits close attention—while the pads have been flagged as thin, the absence of binding calipers or warped discs in recent tests means the issue may be manageable, but the 2025 advisory suggests they are approaching replacement thresholds. Finally, the windscreen wiper failure, though minor, should be addressed immediately, as ineffective clearance compromises visibility in adverse weather. The most pressing concern remains the tyre defect, which cannot be safely ignored.