2019 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · LM15 BOS

A recurring theme of rear brake-related advisories and wiper blade failures emerges across the MOT history of this 2019 Vauxhall Mokka, with the most recent pass recorded on 13 October 2025 noting light oil misting from both rear shock absorbers and perishing on the nearside rear tyre. The braking system has been a source of repeated examiner comments since 2023, with rear brake imbalance, thinning nearside and offside rear brake pads, fluctuating rear service brake performance with slight binding, and general brake disc wear all flagged on multiple occasions. Two failures are also recorded, both involving ineffective windscreen wipers in October 2023 (nearside front) and October 2024 (offside), alongside non-conforming front and rear registration plates in the 2023 test. While the two earliest tests from March 2022 and October 2022 returned clean passes with no advisories, the subsequent record shows a clear pattern of deterioration in the braking and wiper systems that any prospective buyer should treat as the defining mechanical consideration. Annual mileage on this seven-year-old Mokka averages approximately 6,727 miles, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests steady, moderate use rather than extended periods off the road or unusually high wear-inducing mileage accumulation. There are no significant gaps between test entries, with MOTs recorded at roughly annual intervals from 2022 onwards, and the mileage progression is consistent rather than erratic. This level of usage means the braking components, suspension items, and tyres have seen normal service wear, but the repeated advisories suggest that consumable replacement and brake servicing have not kept pace with the wear being generated. Buyers should interpret the mileage as adequate rather than exceptionally low, meaning that components such as dampers, brake discs, pads, and flexible exhaust sections should be inspected as items at or approaching the end of their effective service life rather than as nearly new. Given the chronic rear brake advisories spanning three consecutive test cycles, particular attention should be paid to the rear braking system during any inspection. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or knocking from the rear wheels, and feel for any pulling to one side under firm braking, which could indicate uneven pad wear or a seized caliper slider consistent with the binding noted by testers. Check the rear brake discs through the wheels for visible lipping, scoring, or corrosion around the outer edge, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline without excessive travel, as the recurring imbalance and fluctuating readings may point to caliper issues beyond simple pad replacement. The rear shock absorbers flagged for oil misting in the most recent test should also be inspected by hand for any dampness around the piston shafts, and the vehicle should be pushed down firmly at each rear corner on level ground to confirm that damping remains firm rather than allowing the body to bounce more than once after release. The exhaust flexi section noted as starting to deteriorate in 2024 and the persistent wiper failures warrant targeted checks as well. With the engine running from cold, listen for any ticking or escaping exhaust gases from the front section of the exhaust system near the manifold or flexible joint, and visually inspect the rubber section for any signs of cracking, splitting, or soot staining that would indicate imminent failure. The wiper system should be tested in both dry and wet conditions to confirm full and even clearing of the swept area on both sides, as the pattern of one-sided failures suggests the wiper linkage, motor, or individual wiper arms may be subject to wear rather than simple blade replacement. The nearside rear tyre cracking flagged in October 2025 should be examined closely for any sidewall perishing or bulging, and all four tyres should be checked for even tread depth, as uneven wear across the axle could corroborate the suspension or brake imbalance issues recorded by testers.