2010 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · LR02 LEZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 March 2026 recorded a clean PASS with no advisories or defects, which is a positive immediate outcome and suggests the rear brake hose renewal and imbalance rectification flagged just six days earlier were carried out to a satisfactory standard. Reviewing the broader history, however, the maintenance trend is mixed rather than uniformly stable. The 2024 advisory for a binding nearside rear brake has now appeared twice across the record and ultimately culminated in a Major failure for rear brake imbalance and excessively deteriorated hoses at the 2026 test, indicating that a developing issue was permitted to progress over at least two test cycles. Earlier entries, including the 2023 reversing lamp failure and the 2020 advisories concerning undersized front discs, grabbing offside rear brake, and tyre wear, further reinforce that this vehicle has had recurring brake and undercarriage attention rather than a wholly trouble-free record. With 152,941 miles accumulated over approximately sixteen years, the Peugeot 308 is averaging around 9,500 miles annually, which sits within typical parameters for its age. The MOT record shows annual tests clustered between 2020 and 2026, with the most recent odometer readings implying broadly consistent year-on-year usage and no evidence of extended standing periods. That said, the high absolute mileage means wear-sensitive components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar links, engine mounts, and clutch or dual-mass flywheel elements are well into their serviceable life. Any buyer should treat the mileage as a strong indicator that proactive replacement of these items is likely required within the next service interval, regardless of immediate MOT results. The rear brake system warrants particular scrutiny during a physical inspection. Both rear brake hoses had exposed braided cores at their ferrules, which is a pressure integrity concern and suggests the rubber has hardened and cracked with age and heat cycling. A test drive should focus on detecting any residual pulling to one side under firm braking, a spongy or overly firm pedal, or any grinding or shudder sensation. The recurring advisory for a binding nearside rear caliper should be verified by checking that the wheel rotates freely by hand when cool and that the piston retracts properly; binding calipers generate excessive heat, accelerate pad and disc wear on that side, and can drag fuel consumption upwards. The 2020 advisory regarding front brake discs being too small a fitment, with pads overhanging the disc edge, is unusual and should be confirmed by inspecting the disc and pad dimensions against manufacturer specification, as an incorrect component match compromises braking surface area, modulation, and pad retention. Beyond the brake-specific concerns, a high-mileage sixteen-year-old vehicle of this profile demands attention to age-related deterioration. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking even if tread depth appears adequate, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of mileage. The braking and fuel system hydraulic fluids, along with engine coolant, should be checked for documented replacement within the last two to three years, as fluid degradation is time rather than distance dependent. The 12V battery should be load tested, as repeated short trips and standing periods during MOT gaps can shorten its service life. Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the manifold, downpipe joints, and rear silencer mounting, listen for any blowing sounds on the overrun, and verify that the reversing lamp fault recorded in 2023 has been properly rectified by checking the bulb holder and wiring integrity. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection for surface corrosion, oil leaks from the sump, cam cover, and power steering rack, and a check for uneven tyre wear patterns across the axles will help confirm whether the suspension geometry and bushes remain sound.