2012 Peugeot 508 2.0L Diesel · LS12 ACU

The most recent MOT, dated 5 July 2022, was passed but carried two advisories concerning slight cracking and perishing of the off‑side front tyre and both rear tyres. Earlier in the record there were three isolated failures – two for non‑functioning exterior lamps in 2018, 2019 and 2020 – all of which appear to have been remedied, as the subsequent tests were clean apart from the tyre advisories. Overall the maintenance trend can be described as stabilising; the vehicle has moved from occasional electrical faults to a clean pass, with the only remaining concerns now being age‑related tyre degradation. At 134,236 miles on a 2012 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9,600 mi, which is typical for a family saloon of this age. There are no large gaps in the recorded mileage, suggesting the car has been driven regularly rather than stored for long periods. The moderate cumulative distance means that major wear items such as suspension bushings, engine mounts and drivetrain components are likely to be in the mid‑life stage, while consumables such as brake pads, discs and clutch (if manual) will be approaching the point where replacement may be required depending on driving style. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition. The advisories indicate the tread is beginning to crack, a sign of rubber perishing that can accelerate in wet weather and lead to sudden loss of grip. Inspect the sidewalls for dry‑rot, check for uneven wear that could point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components, and be prepared to replace all four tyres if the tread depth is below 3 mm or the sidewalls show age‑related cracking. While the lamp failures have been rectified, verify that all exterior lighting – position lamps, side repeaters and rear stop lamps – operate correctly, as intermittent electrical faults can re‑appear if wiring harnesses have corroded. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile examination of the suspension is advisable; listen for clunking over bumps that may indicate worn coil springs, deteriorating anti‑roll bar links or bushings that have lost compliance. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and test for any pulsation under firm braking that would suggest warped rotors. The 12 V battery, now well over ten years old, should be load‑tested and its terminals inspected for corrosion. Finally, confirm that the service book shows timely oil, filter and coolant changes, and consider a full fluid refresh – especially brake fluid, which degrades on a calendar basis – before committing to purchase.