2012 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · RO12 JVJ

A persistent pattern of front brake wear is the defining mechanical theme of this 2012 Peugeot 308's MOT record, with advisories appearing on virtually every test over the past four years. Both nearside and offside front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored on four consecutive tests from 2023 through 2026, and in the most recent cycle this deterioration progressed to a level that warranted an advisory under the stricter wording for weakening condition. Brake pad advisories mirror this trend, with front pads noted as wearing thin in 2024 and 2025, and inner pads at both ends flagged in 2023. The 2026 test sequence also recorded a failed attempt on 16 February due to a dangerous offside front tyre with structural separation, a major defect for an offside rear tyre cut exposing ply or cords, and the same worn front discs, before the vehicle returned the following day and passed. A minor driver visibility obstruction from a sunstrip was also recorded at the pass. The rear registration plate has shown deterioration on both 2026 entries, indicating a cosmetic rather than structural concern. With 45,547 miles recorded over roughly fourteen years, this Peugeot has averaged approximately 3,250 miles per year, which is substantially below typical annual mileage for a car of this age and suggests either periods of light use or extended standing. There are no multi-year testing gaps in the MOT history, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2023 onwards, so the mileage accumulation appears regular rather than concentrated in sudden bursts. Low annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage items such as the clutch and engine internals, but can accelerate corrosion of brake discs through infrequent use, moisture retention, and surface rust that is not regularly cleared by braking. The recurring front disc pitting and scoring across multiple tests is broadly consistent with this kind of low-use environment, where the discs sit idle for long periods between short journeys and never fully bed in or shed surface corrosion through sustained use. For a prospective buyer, the front braking system is the priority inspection area, given the unbroken run of disc and pad advisories. The front discs should be physically measured with a micrometer if accessible, as discs worn beyond the manufacturer's minimum thickness must be replaced rather than skimmed, and the same applies to any scoring deep enough to be felt with a fingernail across the braking surface. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing under light braking, feel for pedal pulsation or judder through the footwell which would indicate disc runout, and check for the vehicle pulling to one side which can point to a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. The inner pad advisories from 2023 are particularly worth noting, as inner pad wear on rear calipers on Peugeots of this era can indicate seized caliper slide pins or pistons, so the rear calipers should be inspected for free movement and the handbrake mechanism checked for full release and application. The tyre condition at the most recent test warrants close attention given the dangerous failure recorded on the offside front. All four tyres and the spare should be inspected for bulges, sidewall cracking, uneven shoulder wear suggesting misalignment, and tread depth measured across the full width, not just the central groove. The rear brake pads flagged as wearing thin in 2024 should be confirmed as having been replaced, and the handbrake travel checked on a slope to confirm adequate rear brake function. The deteriorated rear number plate is purely cosmetic and does not affect roadworthiness, but the sunstrip restriction noted as a minor should be assessed to ensure the driver's forward view through the swept wiper area remains compliant. Beyond the recorded items, a low-mileage 14-year-old Peugeot warrants a careful look for age-related corrosion on underbody components, suspension bushes for perishing or cracking, and coolant and brake fluid condition, as these deteriorate with calendar age regardless of mileage covered.