2009 Peugeot 308 1.6L Petrol · EM09 BAT

A persistent and unresolved issue with the offside front outer drive shaft CV (constant velocity) boot defines the mechanical record of this 2009 Peugeot 308. The component was first flagged as split on the 2021-07-01 test, contributing to a major failure alongside headlamp aim, anti-roll bar ball joint wear, and a deep nearside front tyre cut. While the boot issue appeared to have been resolved by the 2022-06-30 test, it resurfaced as severely deteriorated on the 2024-07-02 inspection and again on the 2025-07-14 test, where it was recorded as a Minor defect. The 2026-03-10 test recorded a pass with no mention of the boot, though the recurring pattern across five years suggests either repeated replacement boots failing prematurely or an ongoing underlying issue with the joint itself. Additionally, both rear tyres have now shown cracking and perishing for three consecutive tests, indicating age-related rubber degradation that warrants close inspection. With 49,075 miles recorded over seventeen years, annual accumulation works out to roughly 2,887 miles per year, which is significantly below the typical usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. The MOT record shows no multi-year gaps in testing, meaning the car has been used sufficiently to be presented for inspection annually without extended periods off the road. Low annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on internal drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch, but can accelerate deterioration of rubber seals, boots, and exposed components due to age rather than use. This pattern aligns with the recurring CV boot deterioration and the perishing rear tyres, both of which are classic signatures of time-related rather than mileage-related wear. Given the established history with the offside front drive shaft, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the CV boot for fresh grease deposits, cracks, or perished rubber, and listen for clicking or knocking noises from the front end during sharp low-speed turns, which would indicate a failing joint rather than just a worn boot. The nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint recorded as excessively worn in 2021 should be checked for any recurrence by pushing the front of the vehicle laterally to detect play, and any knocking or rattling over uneven surfaces would warrant closer investigation of anti-roll bar drop links and bushes, which are common wear items on this platform. The headlamp aim defect from 2021 may simply require adjustment, but it should be verified that both headlamps project within legal tolerance, as misaligned units can fail subsequent tests. The front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in 2021 and have not been mentioned since, suggesting they may have been replaced, but given the low overall mileage, a thorough inspection of remaining pad material and disc condition is essential, looking for lipping on the disc edges or scoring that would indicate the need for refurbishment. The recurring rear tyre cracking on both sides over three consecutive tests points to age-hardened compound that may compromise grip in wet conditions, and all four tyres should be examined for sidewall flexibility and tread depth irrespective of age. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any vibration through the steering wheel at speed, which can indicate driveshaft imbalance, and listen for suspension clonks over speed humps, as the combination of age and the recorded anti-roll bar wear suggests the front suspension may now be approaching the point at which bushes, links, or shock absorbers require attention.