2021 Peugeot 208 GT Puretech S/S 1.2L Petrol · L21 BBD

A 2021 Peugeot 208 GT with this mileage profile carries a mixed but informative MOT record, defined principally by a 2025 failure cluster involving the ABS warning lamp and both front wiper mechanisms, followed by a 2026 dangerous tyre separation on the nearside front. The March 2025 test recorded three major defects simultaneously, indicating a system-level issue rather than isolated component wear, with the ABS warning lamp suggesting an underlying fault within the anti-lock braking circuit such as a wheel speed sensor, reluctor ring, or hydraulic modulator concern. The dual wiper failure on both sides points more towards an electrical or motor fault, a linkage problem, or perished wiper transmission components common to the 208 platform. The 2026 dangerous failure on the nearside front tyre is structurally serious, as a bulge caused by separation or partial failure of the internal ply indicates the tyre itself was at risk of catastrophic rupture, and while tyre defects can occur from kerb impact or age-related degradation, the assessment should confirm that the underlying wheel and suspension were inspected for any transfer damage from the bulging tyre. The intervening 2024 pass with no defects recorded demonstrates that the vehicle was mechanically compliant just twelve months before the 2025 failures, so any deterioration between those points would be worth probing rather than assumed. Mileage of 38,690 across approximately five years equates to around 7,738 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK average usage for a modern supermini. There are no extended testing gaps in the DVSA record beyond the expected annual cycle, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous road use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods, which generally reduces the risk of dormant faults such as seized brake calipers, deteriorated fuel system components, or 12V battery degradation. The annual accumulation rate is modest enough that major drivetrain wear is unlikely to be a dominant concern, though the relatively light use can still bring its own considerations for a PureTech three-cylinder engine, where timing belt condition, oil change intervals, and coolant concentration merit direct verification regardless of the MOT outcome. A prospective buyer should focus their inspection on the specific systems flagged in the 2025 ABS fault, beginning with a live dashboard check to confirm the ABS warning lamp extinguishes cleanly on ignition and remains off throughout a test drive. Any intermittent illumination, particularly over uneven surfaces or during light braking, could indicate a marginal wheel speed sensor or damaged wiring loom, which on the 208 is known to suffer from corrosion at the sensor connectors and chafing against suspension components. A test drive should incorporate firm braking from moderate speed on a straight road to feel for any pulsation through the pedal that would suggest the ABS modulator is activating incorrectly or the system is attempting to compensate for a sensor signal issue. The braking system itself should also be assessed for pulling to one side, which can accompany ABS hydraulic faults, alongside a visual inspection of all four wheels for any evidence of reluctor ring damage visible behind the wheel bearing housing. With respect to the wiper fault, both arms should be operated through their full sweep on a wet screen to confirm consistent contact across the wiped area, with particular attention to the top dead-centre position where the 208 mechanism is known to lose pressure. Listen for any binding, ratcheting, or hesitation from the wiper linkage, and inspect the wiper arms for signs they have been removed and refitted, which can indicate previous corrective work. The dangerous tyre failure warrants confirmation that the replacement tyre fitted was of correct speed and load rating, and that all four wheels and tyres are currently within legal tread depth with no sidewall damage, bulges, or uneven shoulder wear that might point to suspension geometry issues. Finally, a general inspection of the PureTech engine bay for oil staining around the timing cover, coolant expansion tank, and turbo pipework would be prudent given the platform's documented history of timing belt stretch and coolant consumption concerns, and a thorough road test should include a cold start observation to detect any timing chain rattle or rough running that would warrant further mechanical investigation.