2011 Peugeot 308 1.6L Petrol · EY61 TVN

The 2011 Peugeot 308 holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 18 September 2025 at 109,140 miles, but the maintenance trend over the preceding three years is mixed rather than consistently improving. The most recent test passed cleanly apart from two advisory tyre wear items, yet the 2024 record reveals a failed test on 20 September 2024 at 96,421 miles involving a fractured offside front coil spring, a missing offside steering rack gaiter, a non-functioning nearside headlamp on dipped beam, and an oil leak. That failure was retested and passed just three days later on 23 September 2024 at 96,427 miles, indicating the immediate faults were rectified, but the fractured coil spring in particular points to a sudden suspension failure rather than gradual wear, which raises questions about the condition of the remaining springs and front suspension components. The mileage progression tells a clear story of increasing annual use. Between the September 2022 test at 68,327 miles and the September 2023 test at 83,372 miles, the car covered 15,045 miles in a single year, a sharp jump from the roughly 7,276 miles per year average implied by the vehicle's age. The following year, from September 2023 to September 2024, the mileage increased by 13,049 miles, and then from September 2024 to September 2025 the car added 12,713 miles. This sustained higher annual mileage in recent years places accelerated consumable wear on tyres, brakes, suspension bushes, and drivetrain mounts, which is consistent with the pattern of defects appearing in the record. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. The fractured offside front coil spring and the missing steering rack gaiter in 2024 are the most significant mechanical flags in the history. A broken coil spring can damage the corresponding damper, strut top mount, and even the wheel arch or inner wing if left unrepaired, so a thorough inspection of both front corners is essential, including checking the nearside spring for cracks and the offside repair for quality. The steering rack gaiter replacement should be verified, and the rack itself checked for play or uneven boot wear. The rear braking system also warrants attention, as the 2023 test flagged both rear brake pads wearing thin and both rear brake discs worn, pitted, or scored, suggesting the rear braking assembly may have seen sustained heavy use without timely renewal. The recurring oil leak advisory, noted in both 2024 tests, should be traced to its source, whether that is a valve cover gasket, camshaft seal, or oil sump issue, as even minor leaks can escalate and contaminate other components over time. Finally, the two advisory tyre wear items flagged in September 2025, both on the offside, suggest possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes affecting wheel geometry, which should be checked before committing to the purchase.