2012 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · HJ12 DAV

The vehicle achieved an MOT pass on 8 April 2026 with no defects recorded, which on the surface represents a satisfactory current roadworthiness position. However, the immediately preceding test on 7 April 2026 resulted in a failure with a Dangerous tyre defect exposing ply or cords on the nearside front, two Major headlamp aim failures, and an advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. The pattern over the recorded history suggests some volatility rather than consistent mechanical decline. The 2024 test produced a failure relating to an offside front outer constant velocity joint boot split, alongside advisories for corroded rear lower coil springs, pitted and lipped front brake discs, a cracked rear lamp lens, and an intermittent airbag warning lamp. In 2025 the vehicle passed with advisories for a nearside rear tyre with cracking or perishing, a worn offside rear tyre on its edge, and thinning rear brake pads. The cumulative picture indicates that braking components, tyres, suspension springs, and drive shaft boots have all been subject to wear-related attention, and a prospective buyer should regard the 2026 pass as current rather than indicative of fully resolved underlying wear. Against an age of approximately fourteen years, the recorded mileage of 59,609 equates to an annual average of around 4,258 miles, which is markedly below typical usage for a vehicle of this vintage. Such low annual mileage raises the prospect of extended periods of standing, which carries its own mechanical implications including brake disc surface corrosion, potential caliper seizure or sticking due to lack of regular piston movement, oxidation of the exhaust system, accelerated deterioration of tyre sidewalls through age-related perishing even where tread depth remains acceptable, and degradation of fluids and the 12V battery from calendar ageing rather than mileage-based wear. The advisories recorded, including tyre cracking and disc pitting, are consistent with this usage profile and warrant careful physical inspection regardless of the most recent pass certificate. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be given to the condition of all tyres. The recorded advisories and Dangerous defect point to a clear history of edge wear and structural deterioration. Sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking, perishing, and any bulges, particularly on the nearside rear tyre previously flagged, and tread depth should be measured across the full width rather than simply at the centre, as edge wear can progress unevenly. Brake discs should be inspected for pronounced lipping at the outer edge, which corroborates the recurring advisory items, and the calipers should be checked for smooth operation and freedom of binding by confirming even pad wear and verifying that the vehicle rolls freely when released. The condition of the rear lower coil springs, previously flagged for corrosion, should be examined visually for advanced surface oxidation or any signs of structural compromise, and a test drive over uneven surfaces should be used to listen for any suspension clunks or knocks that might indicate worn bushes or spring degradation. The offside front drive shaft area warrants a check for any residual grease contamination around the constant velocity boot, suggesting the repair may have aged or been conducted improperly. Additional checks appropriate to a low-mileage, older vehicle include verifying the date code on the 12V battery, which is typically considered past its reliable service life after five to six years, and confirming the condition and age of the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil through service records. Given the advisory relating to the airbag warning lamp behaviour, the supplementary restraint system should be confirmed as fully functional with no warning indicators present at ignition. The previously noted headlamp aim issues suggest verifying beam pattern and alignment, and the cracked rear lamp lens and offside rear light should be inspected to confirm they have not progressed to allow moisture ingress. Finally, exhaust integrity should be examined for corrosion given the low annual mileage and consequent exposure to internal condensation without the benefit of regular sustained running, and a thorough service history review should be undertaken to confirm that mileage-based items such as cambelt replacement, if applicable to this powertrain, and routine fluid changes have been conducted on a time rather than purely mileage basis.