2018 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · FN68 DMY

A fractured pair of coil springs caused an immediate MOT failure on 17 August 2026, with nearside front and offside rear springs both breaking within a day before the vehicle was re-presented and passed cleanly on 19 August 2026. Prior to that, the Mokka carried three consecutive passes with no recorded advisories through 2023, 2024, and 2025, indicating a generally sound structural and mechanical baseline. The sudden simultaneous fracture of two springs is the defining event in this vehicle's history and warrants close attention, as it could point to either isolated component fatigue or an underlying suspension geometry issue that placed abnormal stress on the springs. The subsequent pass confirms the replacement work was completed correctly, but a prospective buyer should establish precisely what components were fitted and request the invoice for evidence of quality parts. With 27,850 miles recorded over eight years, this Mokka averages roughly 3,481 miles annually, which sits well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. The MOT testing pattern shows consistent annual attendance from 2023 through 2026 with no extended gaps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use despite the modest mileage accumulation. Lower annual mileage of this nature typically reduces wear on major drivetrain and braking components, but it can also mean longer standing periods between journeys, which can affect tyre age, fluid condition, and underbody corrosion protection. The combination of light use and the recent suspension failure does raise a question about whether the vehicle encountered harsh kerbing or poor road surfaces during infrequent journeys, both of which are common causes of coil spring fatigue in light-duty SUVs. On a road test, pay particular attention to any remaining clonking, knocking, or harsh thuds transmitted through the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, as these could indicate that further suspension components such as struts, top mounts, or lower wishbones were stressed when the springs failed. Listen for any creaking or popping over moderate undulations, particularly from the rear offside corner, and feel for inconsistent damping or a sense that the vehicle is bottoming out over compressions, which would suggest the replacement dampers were not renewed alongside the springs. Visually inspect both spring locations for any signs of the new components settling unevenly or for fresh corrosion on surrounding suspension arms, bearing housings, and anti-roll bar linkages, all of which work in conjunction with the springs and may have been compromised. Brake pedal feel should be tested for any judder or pulling under firm application, and the steering should track accurately straight with no vibration through the wheel, as fractured springs sometimes alter ride height enough to introduce minor geometry deviations. Inspect the tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which would confirm a geometry misalignment resulting from the suspension event, and check the spare wheel well and boot floor for any tool marks or staining that might indicate emergency repairs were carried out. Given the clean advisory history prior to the spring failure and the low recorded mileage, the underlying vehicle appears to have been mechanically well cared for, but verifying the provenance and quality of the recent suspension repair is the single most important step before purchase.