2012 Peugeot 3008 1.6L Petrol · OY12 HYO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 1 April 2026, was a Pass but it recorded two advisories: a slight play in the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball joint and a severely deteriorated constant‑velocity boot on the off‑side front drive‑shaft joint. Over the last three years the vehicle moved from a Dangerous failure in April 2024 (tread depth and power‑steering fault) to a clean pass in 2024‑04‑16 and then to the current pass with only advisory items. This shows an overall improvement in roadworthiness after the 2024 failure, although the recurrence of front‑suspension and CV‑joint concerns indicates that some wear items are persisting and will need attention. At 104,903 miles on a 2012 model the car averages roughly 7,500 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest accelerated wear, nor are there large gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. The mileage level implies that major drivetrain components such as the gearbox and engine have been exercised moderately, but consumables – tyres, suspension bushes, brake discs and fluid seals – will be approaching the end of their service lives and should be inspected closely. The recurring off‑side front ball‑joint play is a sign that the joint’s internal bearings are wearing and could develop a noticeable clunk when the wheel is loaded over bumps or during cornering. Excessive play may also lead to uneven tyre wear and altered steering feel. The severely deteriorated CV boot should be examined for grease leakage onto the joint and for any contamination of the surrounding area; a compromised boot will eventually allow water ingress and loss of lubrication, resulting in joint noise, vibration and possible failure of the drive‑shaft. The tyre advisories over the past two years – both fronts being close to the legal limit and previously below it – indicate that the tyre tread is uneven and the sidewalls may be ageing. On a test drive the driver should listen for a hollow or thudding noise from the front suspension when hitting potholes, feel for any looseness in the steering column, and watch for vibration or shudder when accelerating, especially under load. Replacement of the front tyres, renewal of the CV boot and, if the ball‑joint play exceeds the manufacturer’s specification, fitting a new lower arm assembly are likely to be imminent maintenance items. Beyond the recorded defects, a vehicle of fourteen years should be examined for age‑related issues regardless of mileage. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulges that can develop even on low‑mileage tyres. Check the 12 V battery for cranking performance and any signs of sulphation, as batteries tend to lose capacity after five to six years. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or excessive corrosion that could cause shudder, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding – standing periods often lead to seized pistons. Verify that the power‑steering fluid has been topped up and that the pump operates quietly; a previous failure suggests the system may have been repaired, so a fluid change and a pump inspection are prudent. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) service at the recommended intervals and that all coolant, brake and gearbox fluids have been replaced in line with calendar recommendations, as fluid degradation can occur even when the car is not driven heavily.