2010 Peugeot 3008 1.6L Diesel · RO10 LPZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, although two advisories were issued, and this follows a previous failed test at the same centre only six days earlier on 2 May 2026. The failure at the most recent attempt was heavily weighted toward lighting defects, including a non-functioning offside front position lamp, an incorrect headlamp beam image, product contamination on the headlamp lens reducing light output, and a nearside rear stop lamp affected by an incorrectly fitted bulb. The only structural concern at that test was a nearside track rod end with excessive play at the ball joint, which is a steering component directly related to vehicle safety. Looking further back, a failure on 16 May 2025 cited an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint along with dangerous stop lamp and registration plate lamp defects, and a prior failure on 4 May 2024 included a dangerous rear tyre tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum, incorrect headlamp aim, and lighting failures. The recurring pattern of suspension arm ball joint wear between 2025 and 2026 indicates an ongoing deterioration in the front suspension geometry rather than a one-off repair, and the lighting issues have been a persistent theme across all three most recent test cycles. Overall, the maintenance trend is best described as worsening, with multiple advisories turning into majors across successive tests and a cluster of safety-related defects appearing repeatedly. The fact that the car passed only days after a failed attempt suggests that most defects were rectified immediately prior to the retest, which is consistent with last-minute preparation rather than a sustained programme of preventative maintenance. The recorded mileage of 130,670 miles on a 2010 vehicle equates to an annualised usage of roughly 8,167 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and only marginally above the average for its cohort. There are no significant gaps or discontinuities in the recorded mileages across the MOT history, indicating steady, consistent use rather than extended periods of standing or sudden bursts of high-mileage driving. This pattern of usage is generally positive from a corrosion and seal-condition standpoint, as regular running helps prevent moisture accumulation in brakes, exhaust systems, and drivetrain seals, and keeps the 12V battery in a healthier state of charge. However, at this accumulated mileage, mechanical wear on consumable items such as brake discs, pads, clutch, turbo components, and suspension bushes should be considered advanced for the odometer reading, and the documented suspension defects are entirely consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage combination. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front suspension arm ball joint wear is the most pressing mechanical concern and warrants a careful test drive inspection. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, speed humps, or when turning into driveways, and pay particular attention to vagueness or imprecise turn-in response at speed, which could indicate worn bushes or worsening ball joint play. Have the front suspension inspected on a ramp for perished or split suspension arm bushes, corroded coil springs, and any play in the track rod ends and wishbones, as the advisory relating to a worn suspension arm pin or bush has now appeared across both 2025 and 2026. Given the mileage, also budget for replacement of the front brake discs and pads if not recently renewed, check for binding calipers after a sustained run, and inspect the rear brake components for uneven wear or seized mechanism. The headlamp lens contamination issue recorded at the most recent failure should be verified as properly corrected with restored beam pattern and light output, as poor headlamp performance significantly compromises night-time safety. Beyond the specific advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several age-related checks that are not always captured on an MOT. Inspect all four tyres, including the spare, for sidewall perishing and cracking from oxidation, paying particular attention to the nearside rear where a dangerous tread-depth failure was recorded in 2024, and verify that replacements are of consistent type and age on both axles. Check the coolant and brake fluid for age-related degradation, as these should be renewed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, with brake fluid being particularly susceptible to moisture absorption and reduced boiling point after several years. Inspect under the bonnet for evidence of oil leaks from the engine and from power steering or transmission seals, which aligns with the oil leak advisory recorded at the most recent test, and verify the timing belt or chain service interval history depending on the engine variant fitted. Finally, examine the exhaust system for corrosion around joints and the mounting rubbers, test the air conditioning system for adequate cooling performance, and check that the service book contains evidence of regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, as consistent servicing is the strongest indicator of long-term mechanical reliability in a high-mileage vehicle of this vintage.