2020 Peugeot 208 GT EV Electric · GV70 FPA

The most recent MOT test on 2026-07-24 resulted in a failure, with two critical defects identified: the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint exhibited slight play, which is a safety-critical issue under DVSA standards, and the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint had a missing or compromised dust cover, allowing dirt ingress that compromises lubrication and long-term joint integrity. This marks a clear deterioration from the previous two MOTs, which passed without defects, indicating a concerning trend of suspension component degradation. The advisory from the prior test—also noting offside ball joint play—suggests this issue has persisted or worsened, warranting immediate attention. While the vehicle’s overall maintenance history up to this point has been relatively clean, the sudden appearance of these failures highlights either a lack of proactive suspension maintenance or underlying wear that has accelerated over time. The recorded mileage of 59,656 miles for a 2020 Peugeot 208 GT EV represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 9,943 miles, which is within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and class. Such usage patterns typically do not indicate excessive wear unless accompanied by rapid mileage accumulation, which would suggest more aggressive driving or higher operational loads. However, the presence of suspension advisories and failures may imply that the vehicle has been subjected to uneven or heavy loads, potentially exacerbating wear on suspension components. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular use, which could contribute to the observed wear progression, particularly if maintenance was not prioritised for critical systems like the suspension and steering linkages. Given the recent MOT failures, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension system, focusing on the lower suspension arms and anti-roll bar linkages. During a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, particularly when navigating bumps or sharp turns, as these could indicate excessive ball joint play or binding. Inspect the suspension components visually for signs of excessive wear, such as cracked or deformed bushings, and check for fluid leaks around the ball joints or anti-roll bar linkages. If the ball joints are confirmed to have play, this could lead to steering instability, reduced handling performance, and increased risk of suspension failure, particularly under load. The missing or compromised dust cover on the nearside anti-roll bar linkage ball joint further suggests that lubrication is compromised, increasing the likelihood of premature joint failure or binding, which may manifest as a stiff or uneven steering feel or a noticeable clunk when the suspension is stressed. Beyond the immediate suspension concerns, the buyer should also conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s structural and functional components. Given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing corrosion, particularly in the wheel arches, undercarriage, and engine bay, check for signs of rust or pitting that could compromise the vehicle’s integrity or require costly repairs. Verify the condition of the tyres, ensuring there is adequate tread depth and no signs of sidewall perishing or cracking, which can compromise safety and handling. The battery should be checked for signs of swelling, corrosion on terminals, or reduced cranking power, as the 208 GT EV’s electric drivetrain relies on a healthy 12V system for auxiliary components. Additionally, while the MOT history is clean for fluid servicing, the vehicle’s age and usage suggest that time-based maintenance, such as checking and replacing brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, should be scheduled according to manufacturer recommendations. If the vehicle has been in regular use, consider a full service check to ensure all consumables and fluid levels are optimal, as well as a review of the service book for any missed or overdue maintenance. Finally, given the recurring suspension advisories, the buyer should budget for potential immediate repairs to the ball joints and anti-roll bar linkages, as these failures could escalate into more severe mechanical issues if left unaddressed.