2016 Peugeot 108 1.2L Petrol · MP65 LWR

The 2016 Peugeot 108 presents a mixed mechanical picture dominated by rear brake system failures that surfaced in February 2026, with the most recent test on 13 February 2026 producing an immediate fail following a pass on the same date. The rear brake failure was significant, involving both rear service brakes binding excessively, imbalance across axle two, and overall service brake efficiency falling below the minimum requirements, all classified as Major defects. Three years earlier, on 14 February 2023, another fail was recorded, this time affecting the offside front brake disc (significantly worn) and offside front caliper binding, accompanied by front brake imbalance and Dangerous defects for both front tyres with exposed ply or cords. Between these two failures, the 2024 and 2025 tests passed without any advisories, and an advisory had been raised in 2022 for front brake disc wear and tyre condition, suggesting the front brake disc deterioration flagged in 2023 was an evolving concern. The fact that two separate braking events, front in 2023 and rear in 2026, each culminated in Major or Dangerous failures indicates recurring weakness in the braking system rather than an isolated incident. With 17,958 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle averages around 1,796 miles annually, which is low for its age. Tests have occurred consistently each February from 2021 through 2026 with no significant gaps in the record, suggesting the car has remained in regular use despite the modest mileage. Low annual mileage typically results in less wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, engine internals, and major suspension parts, but can bring its own risks including brake caliper seizure from infrequent operation, corrosion from short journeys, and degradation of rubber components through age rather than use. The repeated caliper binding observed in 2023 and 2026, on opposite axles, is consistent with a low-mileage usage pattern where brakes are used intermittently and may corrode or seize within the mechanism. A prospective buyer should focus attention squarely on the braking system. The rear brake binding and imbalance failure in February 2026 warrants a thorough inspection of both rear calipers for free sliding operation, examination of rear brake pads and discs for uneven wear patterns that would confirm sticking calipers, and a road test to check for pulling to one side under braking, a hot rear brake disc or wheel hub after driving, or any grinding or scraping noise from the rear. The offside front brake disc and caliper issues from the 2023 test should also be verified, checking the offside front disc lipping or runout and confirming the caliper slides freely without sticking. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the suspension over uneven surfaces, as low-mileage vehicles can develop seized components that manifest as noise rather than visible wear. The 2022 advisory noted both an offside front and offside rear tyre in poor condition, and a buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully for cracking, bulging, or uneven wear, as the age-related degradation of the rubber compound is a greater concern than tread depth on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The Dangerous tyre defects recorded in February 2023 for exposed ply or cords on both front tyres indicate that a previous inspection allowed the car to be driven in an unsafe state, and any replacement tyres fitted since should be checked for correct specification, age, and condition. Beyond the brake and tyre concerns already documented, the intervening clean passes in 2024 and 2025 suggest no other structural or mechanical advisories were flagged during those inspections, though a buyer should still carry out the usual checks for fluid leaks, warning lights, and clutch operation given the low accumulated mileage. The combination of two braking failures three years apart, at opposite ends of the car, means that a pre-purchase inspection specifically targeting all four brake calipers, discs, pads, and the flexible brake hoses for age-related cracking would be prudent before committing to purchase.