2018 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · FN68 DNU

The progression of MOT records for this 2018 Vauxhall Mokka reveals a consistent pattern of recurring brake-related advisories and tyre deterioration spanning the past three years, with the most recent test on 2026-07-21 recording five distinct issues rather than a clean pass. The recurring theme centers on front brake pad thinning (listed under 1.1.13(a)(ii)), rear brake pad thinning (also 1.1.13(a)(ii)), front disc wear (1.1.14(a)(i)), and progressively worse tyre condition ranging from edge wear to cracking and perishing. While the 2026-07-21 test ultimately returned a pass, the presence of four active advisories—including inadequate windshield wiper performance (3.4(b)(ii))—demonstrates that underlying mechanical problems persist despite superficial remediation, indicating a car that requires immediate attention before taking delivery. The recorded mileage of 35,105 miles for an eight-year-old vehicle translates to approximately 4,388 miles per annum, a rate significantly lower than typical usage for a saloon of this generation class. This disparity strongly suggests extended periods of inactivity or infrequent use rather than heavy daily employment, which fundamentally alters expectations for component longevity. The substantial gap between the last two full passes (2024-07-01 and 2026-07-21) compresses the normal interval between comprehensive inspections, potentially allowing subsurface wear in suspension linkages, brake lines, and subframe connections to accumulate unnoticed. Low mileage combined with the documented tyre and brake wear patterns implies that high-wear areas have been operating with minimal stress, yet the cumulative effect of neglected maintenance over the past few years has already produced measurable deterioration in critical safety systems. Focused examination should prioritise the front and rear braking assemblies given their prominent advisory status. During test drives, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsating noises from the brake calipers and pads, particularly when applying steady pressure through the pedal; spongy or reduced pedal response would confirm hydraulic line integrity. Inspect the front brake discs for any signs of excessive scoring or deformation that might contribute to the reported wear, and verify that the windshield wiper motor operates smoothly and clears the entire glass surface without leaving streaks, as the wiper failure recurrence indicates potential pump seal or gear train degradation. These symptoms are directly traceable to the advisories flagged across multiple MOTs and represent the highest priority items for a pre-purchase inspection. The tyre history, marked by repeated near-limit wear and crack formation on the front tyres, demands particular scrutiny on the suspension bushings and control arm mounts where abnormal flex can exacerbate edge wear. When the car is stationary, gently rock the body to identify any noticeable movement in the suspension articulations, and pay close attention to the rear tyres which showed perishing in both sides during the 2023 and 2025 assessments. Listen for any rattling or creaking from the subframe area when moving the vehicle slowly, as subframe corrosion is a common failure mode in this model year and could compromise structural integrity if left unchecked. A thorough visual and tactile inspection of all these components will reveal whether the current condition reflects genuine wear or merely the effects of prolonged disuse, ensuring the buyer makes an informed decision before committing to this purchase.