2013 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Petrol · MM62 ASO

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 March 2026 recorded a Pass with no defects or advisories, which is the cleanest result in the documented history and suggests the vehicle is presently in roadworthy condition at the point of test. Looking at the broader trend, however, the picture is one of gradual deterioration rather than stable maintenance. The 2024 test flagged a defective front wiper blade, the 2025 test included advisories for discoloured side repeaters, thinning rear brake pads and a minor exhaust leak from the front flexy pipe, and the early 2025 re-test also produced a Major failure for a nearside front tyre cut exposing ply or cords. While the absence of recorded defects at the latest test is reassuring, the recurring nature of the exhaust and brake advisories across consecutive examinations indicates wear items that have been deferred rather than resolved. The recorded mileage of 52,746 miles over a 13-year lifespan equates to roughly 4,057 miles per annum, which is substantially below the national average and points to either light private use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage is mechanically double-edged; components that rely on regular use such as the brake discs, calipers, battery and exhaust system are more prone to corrosion and degradation when the vehicle is left idle, while conversely the engine, clutch and transmission are likely to be in comparatively good condition given limited wear cycles. The MOT history does not reveal any extended gaps in testing, but the slow accumulation of miles between tests suggests the vehicle has seen significant standing time, particularly during the 2020 to 2021 period when only a single test was recorded at broadly similar mileage progression. Given the recurring advisories for the rear brake pads and the exhaust front flexy pipe, both items warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The brake pads were noted as wearing thin at the 2025 test, and although they did not progress to a fail, pad material on a Mokka of this age can deteriorate further within a year, so the remaining pad thickness and disc condition should be measured directly. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or squealing from the rear brakes, and check for pulling to one side or a soft brake pedal that might suggest a binding caliper from prolonged standing. The exhaust advisory regarding a minor leak at the front flexible section is particularly significant, as these components are common failure points on the 1.6 and 1.7 CDTi variants and can allow exhaust gases to enter the engine bay. Inspect the flexible pipe for visible black soot staining, listen for an irregular or hissing exhaust note on start-up, and verify there are no dashboard warning lights relating to emissions or the Diesel Particulate Filter if fitted, as these symptoms often accompany a compromised front pipe. In addition to the advisory-driven items, the very low annual mileage makes several age-related checks especially relevant. Tyre sidewalls should be examined carefully for perishing and cracking, as the rubber compound hardens with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and the 2022 advisory for rear tyre cracking confirms this is an established pattern for this vehicle. Request documentation for the 12V battery replacement history, as batteries older than five years frequently fail without warning, particularly after periods of standing, and a weak battery can produce erratic idle and dashboard warnings on the Mokka. Verify that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals, paying particular attention to the timing belt replacement schedule on the petrol or diesel engine fitted, as this is a critical interval-based item irrespective of mileage. Finally, check that brake fluid and coolant have been changed within their recommended calendar cycles, as these fluids degrade chemically over time, and confirm that the handbrake operates firmly, as low-use vehicles are prone to seized rear caliper mechanisms that only become evident under load.