2016 Peugeot 308 1.2L Petrol · HJ66 YPP

A clear pattern of front brake wear is the defining mechanical story of this Peugeot 308, with brake-related advisories appearing repeatedly across the MOT record and culminating in a dangerous brake pad failure in June 2026. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2024 and again in 2025, before the offside front pad fell below the 1.5mm legal minimum at the most recent test, accompanied by an advisory for a worn, pitted, and scored offside front brake disc. Although the vehicle subsequently passed the same day with no defects recorded, the immediate failure followed by a same-day pass strongly suggests an on-the-spot repair rather than a genuine restoration of the braking system. Alongside the brakes, lighting defects have been a recurring theme, with multiple registration plate lamp failures in 2023, 2024, and 2026, as well as a side repeater issue and a seriously damaged offside front mirror flagged as a major failure in 2025. The picture is therefore one of a car that has consistently passed its MOTs only after corrective work on a defined cluster of components, rather than a record of untroubled roadworthiness. With 72,829 miles recorded over a ten-year life, the vehicle has accumulated roughly 7,283 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests consistent, ordinary use rather than long periods of standing or unusually heavy motorway mileage. There are no significant gaps in the annual MOT testing record, indicating the car has remained in continuous road use throughout its life. This kind of steady, moderate usage is mechanically favourable for keeping seals, brakes, and suspension components functioning as designed, though it does mean consumables such as pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have experienced normal wear cycles. The mileage profile is unremarkable and does not raise any red flags in terms of under-use corrosion or over-use component fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the front braking system should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive, as the record shows a clear pattern of progressive pad and disc wear that has now reached a critical state. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or scraping noise from the front wheels under light braking, feel for judder or vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal which would indicate the pitted and scored disc has worsened beyond the advisory threshold, and check for any pulling to one side under braking which could suggest a binding caliper. Inspect the visible pad material through the wheel and confirm the discs have an adequate thickness ridge around the perimeter; a heavily lipped or visibly blue disc would confirm further deterioration. The nearside front was not flagged in the recent failure, but the 2025 advisory for nearside front pads wearing thin means the full front axle set will likely need replacing together with discs to ensure balanced braking. Secondary checks should focus on the items flagged in the advisories, including the nearside front wheel which was recorded as slightly distorted in 2025, and the nearside rear tyre cut noted that year. Inspect the wheels for run-out when jacked and spun, and examine all tyres closely for sidewall damage, perishing, and tread depth given the dangerous tread depth failures recorded in 2025. The repeated registration plate lamp failures and mirror damage suggest electrical connectors and mirror housings should be inspected for corrosion or impact damage. Finally, request evidence of the brake pad and disc replacement carried out after the June 2026 failure, and confirm the work was completed with quality components rather than a minimal repair, as the same-day pass warrants verification.