2013 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · KP13 AUT

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 17 October 2025, resulted in a pass, which is a positive immediate indicator of roadworthiness. That said, the examiner recorded two advisories relating to the front suspension, specifically noting slight play in both the offside and nearside front suspension arm ball joints. These advisories represent the first recorded suspension concerns in the vehicle's history and mark a slight deterioration compared to the entirely clean pass recorded in October 2024. The overall maintenance trend remains broadly stable, with annual tests consistently returning pass certificates and no failures or dangerous defects logged, but the emergence of wear items at the front suspension suggests the vehicle is entering a phase where chassis components will require closer attention and likely replacement in the near future. With a recorded odometer reading of 111,389 miles against an approximate age of thirteen years, this Peugeot 308 has accumulated around 8,568 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its class and age bracket. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT history suggesting long periods of standing, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid mileage accumulation between tests. The mileage progression between consecutive MOTs appears consistent and moderate, which is favourable from a mechanical longevity standpoint as it implies regular use without the extremes of either neglect or high-stress accumulation that can accelerate wear on the drivetrain, clutch, and ancillary components. The recurring advisories on front suspension arm ball joints warrant particular attention from any prospective buyer. Ball joint play, even when classified as slight, will progress over time and can manifest as clonking or knocking noises when traversing uneven road surfaces, during full steering lock manoeuvres, or when braking sharply. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking from the front end, particularly over speed bumps, and inspect the tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which is a classic secondary symptom of worn suspension joints. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, combined with the advisories already present, strongly suggests that replacement of the front suspension arms or the ball joints themselves should be budgeted for imminently. Additionally, the advisory in 2023 for a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, along with a similar advisory in 2021 for the nearside rear tyre, hints at a persistent geometry or alignment issue that should be investigated and rectified, as misaligned geometry accelerates tyre wear and places additional stress on the steering and suspension components. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, a physical inspection should also encompass checks beyond the MOT record. Tyres should be examined closely for age-related sidewall perishing or cracking, as thirteen-year-old rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread depth, and the spare tyre should not be overlooked. The braking system should be inspected for corrosion on the discs, particularly if the vehicle has been subject to short journeys or periods of standing, and the calipers should be checked for smooth operation without binding. Brake fluid should be assessed for service history, as it typically requires replacement every two to three years due to its hygroscopic nature, and similarly the coolant, engine oil, and any automatic transmission fluid should be checked against the manufacturer's service schedule. Finally, verify the continuity of the service book stamps or digital service records, and given that this is a thirteen-year-old vehicle with substantial mileage, budget for the replacement of the cambelt and water pump if these have not been recently addressed, alongside routine items such as the twelve-volt battery, which commonly fails after six to eight years of service.