2018 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · FJ18 KVD

A pattern of recurring tyre deterioration sits at the centre of this Peugeot 208's MOT record, with advisories relating to perishing, cracking, or edge wear appearing at four of the six recorded tests across both front and rear axles. The most recent examination on 22 November 2025 was a pass but flagged a defective near-side rear registration plate lamp alongside advisories for both front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges and both rear tyres showing cracking or perishing. The intervening tests in 2023 and 2024 returned clean passes with no advisories, which suggests the front brake component wear noted in 2021 and 2022 was subsequently rectified, though no replacement discs or pads have been recorded since. Across eight years of testing there have been zero failures and no structural, corrosion, suspension, or exhaust advisories, leaving the tyre condition as the only mechanically consistent theme in the history. The recorded mileage of 44,081 miles over approximately eight years equates to an average of around 5,500 miles annually, which is notably below typical usage for a small petrol or diesel supermini of this age. The recorded mileage readings between tests show modest year-on-year accumulation consistent with light regular use rather than long periods of standing, with no unusual gaps in testing frequency. There is no evidence in the MOT history of a multi-year lay-up that might raise issues around seized brake calipers, deteriorated rubber components, or stale fluids through lack of use. The relatively gentle usage pattern would generally mean less wear on clutches, drivetrain mounts, and braking components than a higher-mileage equivalent, though it places greater importance on the condition of age-sensitive rubber and elastomeric parts that deteriorate with calendar age regardless of mileage. Given the recurring front tyre edge wear advisories, a prospective buyer should closely inspect the tracking geometry, paying particular attention to the condition of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar bushes, and ball joints, as uneven inner or outer shoulder wear on both sides simultaneously often points to misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or a sagging coil spring allowing altered camber. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness, wander, or pulling to one side that could indicate the underlying geometry or component issue. The 2022 advisories for pitted front brake discs and thinning pads mean the braking system should now be assessed for current pad material depth, disc lip measurement, and smooth operation without judder under firm pedal pressure, particularly from cold. The rear tyre cracking and perishing advisories, appearing at both the 2022 and 2025 tests across all four corners, warrant a thorough visual inspection of the sidewalls for any signs of UV degradation, cracking extending into the tread shoulder, or bulges that could indicate structural failure of aged rubber. The single minor defect for the near-side rear registration plate lamp is a trivial electrical item, but it does confirm that an LED board or bulb replacement is required before the next test. Under the bonnet, the buyer should look for any oil seepage from the cam cover or sump gasket typical of higher-mileage Peugeot 1.2-litre units, check the coolant level and condition for signs of head gasket weep, and confirm the condition of the auxiliary belt and tensioner. Finally, a thorough road test should include a full cold start to observe any excessive smoke, an idle period to detect misfire or rough running, and a sustained motorway section to verify that the clutch, gearbox, and cooling system perform without complaint given the vehicle's age.