2019 Peugeot 2008 1.2L Petrol · JO64 AND

A recurring exhaust defect has defined the mechanical narrative of this 2019 Peugeot 2008. The front exhaust flexi joint has been flagged as leaking across both the 2024 and 2025 test cycles, and an exhaust mounting defect has been recorded at the central front in 2024 and again at the front in 2025, with the latter combination resulting in a fail on 4 September 2025 before a pass was secured just four days later once both rear tyres with cuts exceeding ply-depth requirements had been replaced. With the exhaust issues still showing as advisories on the pass, the pattern points to a flexi section that has now been a known concern for at least two years and may be progressing towards a louder rattle, a more pronounced gas leak, or detachment at the mounting point. The remainder of the history is reassuring, with clean passes in 2022 and 2023 carrying no advisories at all, and the only brake-related items appearing in 2024 as minor wear on the nearside front disc and pads, both of which were not considered excessive at that time. The recorded mileage of 28,713 miles across seven years equates to an accumulation rate of roughly 4,100 miles annually, which is well below the typical 7,000 to 9,000 miles per year expected for a small SUV of this age and type. Testing gaps are not a concern here, as the vehicle has been presented annually without interruption from 2022 onwards. The relatively low usage means that wear-sensitive consumables such as brake pads, discs, and tyres have been spared the heavier degradation associated with high-mileage accumulation, but low-mileage examples can present their own concerns around seals, hoses, and damping components that suffer from prolonged standing rather than active use. The oil leak noted at the sump area in 2025 is therefore worth monitoring carefully, as it may be more consistent with a hardened or shrunk seal weeping under occasional operation than with high-load wear. For a test drive, begin cold and listen for any exhaust drone, ticking, or metallic rattle from beneath the bonnet and centre tunnel that would suggest the flexi joint has worsened beyond its advisory state. With the engine at idle, briefly walk around the rear of the vehicle and look for any black soot deposits around the flexi area or hanging exhaust mountings, as a more developed leak will often show visible carbon staining. Drive over uneven road surfaces and listen for clonks or metallic contact from the exhaust system that would indicate the mounting has further deteriorated. On a longer run, crack a window and listen for any increase in engine bay or exhaust noise under acceleration, as a compromised flexi joint typically becomes more pronounced under load. The brake components flagged in 2024 should be inspected directly by lifting a wheel arch liner or removing a wheel, checking the nearside front pad material thickness and measuring the nearside and offside front disc lip with a gauge to confirm there is still sufficient service life remaining. Inspect both rear tyres for any new cuts, cracking, or perishing on the sidewalls, as a nearside rear tyre was flagged for similar damage in 2024 and both rear tyres required replacement in 2025, suggesting this vehicle may be operated on roads that are particularly harsh on rubber. Under the bonnet, look for any fresh oil residue on the sump plug, sump gasket, and lower engine block, distinguishing it from older staining, and check the oil level on the dipstick to ensure no significant consumption has developed. Finally, on the road, test the brakes firmly from higher speeds to confirm there is no judder through the pedal that would indicate the front discs have now worn beyond their minimum thickness, and check for any pulling to one side that could point to a binding caliper given the vehicle's prolonged periods of light use.