2010 Peugeot 308 1.6L Petrol · LO10 HZU

A recurring theme in the MOT record is front‑lamp aim, with a near‑side headlamp aim failure recorded in April 2022 and an off‑side headlamp aim failure flagged again in March 2023, the latter appearing alongside an overall pass. The only major mechanical defect noted was an excessively worn off‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint in January 2020; otherwise the tests have been clean of safety‑critical failures, with only tyre‑wear advisories and lamp inoperability items appearing intermittently. At 109,426 mi spread over roughly sixteen years the vehicle averages about 6,800 mi per annum, a mileage rate that sits within normal usage patterns for a family hatchback of this age. The MOT history shows annual testing up to 2020, a two‑year gap before the 2022 test, and a further test in early 2023, indicating no prolonged periods of inactivity. Such a mileage profile suggests that wear items such as brake pads, clutch components and suspension bushings will be in the mid‑life stage and should be inspected for progressive thinning, while the tyre‑wear advisories from 2019‑2020 imply that the front tyres were approaching the legal limit at that time and may have been replaced since. When assessing the vehicle, pay particular attention to the headlamp alignment: with the aim repeatedly recorded as too low, verify that the beams illuminate the road symmetrically and do not dip excessively on the near or off side. Check the headlamp housings for cracks or loose adjusters, and confirm that the headlamp adjustment screws operate smoothly. For the anti‑roll bar linkage, listen for clunking or knocking noises when driving over uneven surfaces and feel for any looseness or excessive play in the rear suspension; excessive wear in the ball joint can manifest as a vague wobble or reduced stability during cornering. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should also include a check of all external lamps (position lamps, registration‑plate lamp) to ensure they illuminate correctly, a measurement of front‑tyre tread depth to confirm replacement since the 2020 advisory, and a functional brake test for pedal travel, judder or pulsation that could indicate disc or pad wear. Inspect the suspension bushes, coil springs and rear anti‑roll bar mounts for corrosion or cracking, and verify the integrity of the seat‑belt anchorage that was previously obstructed by a child seat. Addressing these specific items will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness beyond the MOT entries.