2012 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · NJ12 YPV

The vehicle’s MOT record tells a clear story of recurring suspension wear and corrosion that has required attention on several occasions, most recently a major failure on 21 May 2026 for excessive corrosion on the off‑side rear suspension mounting area, which was subsequently rectified to achieve a pass on the same day. Earlier tests also flagged a worn off‑side front suspension arm pin/bush and a severely deteriorated anti‑roll bar linkage dust cover, indicating that the front suspension components have been a persistent weak point. Tyre condition has been another recurring issue, with multiple advisories for tyres worn close to the legal limit and a dangerous tread depth on the near‑side front tyre in 2021. At 85,702 mi over fourteen years the average annual mileage sits around 6,100 mi, a figure that aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows yearly testing from 2020 onward, with only a single missing year (2022) that may simply reflect a lapse in testing rather than a period of inactivity. The relatively moderate mileage suggests that wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension components is more a function of age and the identified corrosion than of high‑mileage stress, but the steady accumulation of miles still means that bushings, mounts and tyre tread will have experienced a full service life. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the front and rear suspension. Listen for clunking or knocking sounds over bumps, feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering, and check that the wheels remain steady under braking. Visible rust around the rear mounting area or excessive play in the front arm bushings should be treated as a sign that the corrosion and wear noted in the MOT may have progressed. Replacing the off‑side front arm pin or bush, renewing the anti‑roll bar dust cover and addressing any rear sub‑frame corrosion will be essential to restore structural integrity and handling confidence. Tyre health also demands close scrutiny. Verify tread depth on all four tyres, looking for the near‑side front tyre that was recorded as dangerously low in 2021 and the front tyre that showed cracking in 2026. Examine sidewalls for cuts, bulges or perishing rubber, especially on the near‑side front and rear tyres that have repeatedly been flagged. The 2025 advisory about brake disc wear and the 2020 note on a slightly damaged near‑side front brake pipe suggest that the braking system should be inspected for scoring, uneven pad wear or any signs of fluid leakage. During a test drive, note any pulsation, squealing or a soft pedal feel, which would indicate that the discs or pipe may need servicing or replacement before the vehicle can be considered reliably roadworthy.