2013 Peugeot 208 1.4L Diesel · NC13 ACJ

Excessive wear on the off‑side front suspension arm and a track‑rod end with pronounced play were recorded as major failures in the February 2026 MOT, meaning the car required immediate remedial work before it could be re‑tested and subsequently passed later that day. Those items dominate the recent defect profile, while earlier failures were limited to a missing coolant level, a non‑functioning windscreen washer, and a pair of rear lamps, all of which were rectified before the next test. The pattern shows a shift from isolated minor faults to a significant front‑suspension issue that has only just been addressed. At 122,686 mi the vehicle averages roughly 9,400 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal usage for a thirteen‑year‑old supermini. The MOT history is continuous, with annual tests and no prolonged gaps that would suggest extended periods of inactivity. This mileage suggests that wear items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch components will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives, but it does not, on its own, indicate premature failure of major drivetrain or structural parts. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the front‑right suspension. Under a gentle push over a speed bump or on a short test drive, listen for clunking or feel for a vague knocking sensation that could signal lingering play in the arm or ball joint. Check that the steering remains steady and does not pull to one side, and verify that the front wheels track straight when the steering wheel is centred. The advisory about off‑side front brake binding, although not a failure, warrants a brake pedal feel test – the pedal should descend smoothly without a gritty or pulsating sensation, and the vehicle should stop in a straight line without the front right wheel grabbing. Confirm that the coolant reservoir is filled to the correct level and that the washer system delivers fluid to the windscreen, as the earlier missing coolant and washer faults suggest the related hoses or pump may have been neglected. Verify that all external lamps, especially the rear registration plate and rear stop lamps, illuminate correctly, and inspect the tyre tread on both front wheels for wear close to the legal limit, watching for uneven wear that could point back to the suspension condition. A thorough mechanical inspection by a qualified technician, with particular focus on the repaired suspension components and brake system, will be essential before committing to purchase.