2015 Peugeot 108 1.2L Petrol · OV65 ORT

The defining mechanical story of this Peugeot 108 centres on a single, isolated but significant braking failure recorded in January 2023, with the rest of the record demonstrating broadly adequate roadworthiness since 2018. The 2023 test episode saw immediate failure notices for both service and parking brake efficiency below requirements, accompanied by both front brake discs being cited as significantly and obviously worn. This same brake system had been showing gentle decline over the preceding tests. In 2021, both front service brakes were noted as fluctuating though not excessively, and in 2018, the nearside front outer brake pads were already wearing thin while the nearside front service brake was binding slightly. The vehicle did pass a retest four days after the January 2023 failure with no advisories recorded, indicating the disc and efficiency issues were rectified, though any prospective buyer must recognise this as a clear pattern of front brake wear progression that ultimately led to a dangerous drop in efficiency. Beyond the braking components, the only other notable defects recorded were a front wiper failure in October 2019 and repeated rear tyre perishing advisories in 2020 and 2021, the latter finally cleared up by the 2022 test. A minor reversing lamp lens issue was also noted in 2021. With seven MOT tests recorded between October 2018 and January 2023 and an indicated mileage of 44,329 miles on an eleven year old vehicle, the usage profile points to a low annual accumulation of roughly 4,030 miles per year. The recorded tests cluster around autumn and winter months from 2018 to 2020, then shift to early January from 2021 onwards, suggesting consistent but light use rather than the vehicle being laid up for long unbroken periods. That said, the gap between the January 2022 and January 2023 tests, with one failure and one pass occurring within four days of each other, shows no meaningful mileage progression in that interval. Low mileage on a city-oriented vehicle of this type typically translates to greater reliance on short journeys, which can accelerate certain wear patterns including brake disc corrosion due to infrequent high-temperature operation and potential degradation of underbody protection from standing in damp conditions, even if overall component mileage is low. Given the confirmed history of front brake disc wear culminating in a significant efficiency failure, any test drive must include thorough evaluation of the braking components. On a gentle road test, listen for any scraping, grinding, or rumbling noise from the front wheels when moving off from cold, which would indicate the new discs and pads have surface rust pitting or uneven wear. The brake pedal should feel firm and progressive; any excessive travel, sponginess, or judder under moderate braking suggests incomplete rectification of the 2023 issues or warped replacement discs. The parking brake, which also failed for efficiency in 2023, should hold the vehicle securely on a steep incline with minimal lever travel, and the handbrake ratchet mechanism should feel positive without slipping. Pay particular attention to any pulling to one side under braking, which would indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear on the newly fitted components, directly relevant given the 2018 advisory noted binding on the nearside front brake. The repeated rear tyre perishing advisories from 2020 and 2021 warrant close physical inspection of the current rear tyres, checking the sidewalls and tread shoulders for any signs of cracking, particularly given the vehicle's age and the likelihood of original or aged rubber compounds remaining. Inspect the front windscreen wiper blades for any streaking or missed areas, as a previous failure for ineffective clearing suggests the wiper linkage or motor could be prone to wear or corrosion at the pivot points. The exhaust system should be checked for security and condition, as a front exhaust mount was noted as unserviceable in 2020. With the reversing lamp lens previously defective, verify operation of all rear lighting including the reversing lamp. Finally, given the consistent pattern of front brake wear across multiple tests, request evidence of what specific brake components were fitted at the 2023 retest, including part numbers or invoices, to ensure the discs were replaced rather than merely cleaned, and confirm the work was carried out at a reputable establishment.