2015 Peugeot 108 1.2L Petrol · OG02 AVA

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 January 2026 resulted in a pass, although two advisories were issued for perishing on both rear tyres within the tread area, sized 165/60 15. Reviewing the sequence of tests, the maintenance trajectory shows signs of deterioration rather than stable upkeep. The 2023 and 2024 tests were passed with no advisories at all, but the 2025 test cycle introduced edge wear on both front tyres and perishing on the offside rear, alongside a major failure for parking brake efficiency below required standards. The 2026 test then continued the advisory trend on the rear tyres. This pattern, moving from clean to repeated tyre-related advisories combined with a parking brake failure, suggests that wear items are being identified and addressed reactively rather than preventatively, and warrants closer physical inspection. With 42,718 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, annual usage averages around 3,883 miles, which is considerably below the typical mileage for a city car of this age. Such low annual accumulation strongly suggests extended periods of standing or only short, infrequent journeys. While lower mileage reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain internals, it introduces a different set of mechanical concerns. Cold-start operation, short trips that never allow the engine or exhaust system to reach full operating temperature, and prolonged standing will accelerate rubber degradation, promote moisture accumulation in oils, and encourage corrosion on brake discs that may have developed surface rust or, more problematically, could have caused the rear calipers or handbrake mechanism to bind or seize. Given the parking brake failure recorded in January 2025, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the handbrake mechanism during inspection. The parking brake on a Peugeot 108 operates on the rear drums, and the failure likely relates to either insufficient cable adjustment, worn or seized rear brake shoe mechanism, or corrosion binding the internal components after extended standing. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or dragging noise from the rear wheels when setting off from cold, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline without requiring excessive lever travel. If the vehicle pulls to one side under braking or the handbrake lever lifts higher than usual, further investigation of the rear drum brake adjustment and shoe condition is essential. Also confirm the work was carried out properly following the 2025 failure. The recurring rear tyre perishing advisories are typical of age-related rubber degradation rather than wear from use, particularly given the low mileage and 165/60 15 fitment common to this model. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, checking between the tread blocks and around the sidewall lettering, as tyres over five years old can deteriorate even with ample tread remaining. Check the production date on the sidewall DOT stamp and consider replacement if the tyres are older than six years regardless of tread depth. Beyond the tyres, the low-mileage profile demands verification of time-based servicing items that do not register on the odometer. The 12V battery is highly susceptible to sulphation and premature failure from standing or short trips, so test its cranking performance and state of charge. Engine oil and coolant should be checked for colour and clarity, as short journeys promote moisture contamination and oil dilution with fuel, particularly in colder months. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should have been renewed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, typically every two years, while the timing chain, coolant hoses, and underbody structural components should be examined for perishing rubber and early surface corrosion consistent with an eleven-year-old vehicle exposed to UK winter road conditions.