2008 Peugeot 308 1.6L Petrol · SC08 OCA

A pattern of front suspension and drivetrain wear is the defining mechanical story of this Peugeot 308, with three of the last four tests flagging steering and axle components. The most recent assessment on 3 March 2026 produced a pass alongside advisories for a worn offside front upper Macpherson strut pin or bush, a non-excessive oil leak, and a minor rear exhaust gas leak, but the same date also recorded an earlier failure for an illegible front registration plate and a nearside front track rod end ball joint with excessive play. That track rod end defect had first appeared as a minor advisory with slight play in February 2025, suggesting a progressive deterioration from monitorable wear to a major non-compliance over twelve months. A further failure in February 2025 was caused by a split offside front drive shaft CV boot that could no longer prevent dirt ingress, while the 2024 test recorded a severely deteriorated offside front outer CV joint boot as a minor. The overall trend across the past three years indicates a vehicle whose front-end consumables are steadily reaching the end of their service life rather than a single isolated incident. Recorded mileage of 71,452 miles across approximately 18 years equates to an accumulation rate of roughly 3,970 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and platform. This figure aligns with the MOT submission history showing no extended testing absences and consistent annual submissions, indicating the car has remained in regular but light use rather than being laid up for any significant period. Mechanically, this usage profile typically reduces wear on internal drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch, but it can accelerate degradation of rubber and polymer items exposed to underbody conditions and static corrosion. The recurring CV boot deterioration and the developing suspension and steering wear align with age-related polymer perishing rather than high-mileage mechanical fatigue. A prospective buyer should focus their pre-purchase inspection on the front suspension and steering assembly flagged in the MOT record. The worn offside front upper Macpherson strut pin or bush should be evaluated by pushing down on each front corner and listening for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, while the nearside front track rod end requires a physical check for vertical and horizontal play at the joint. On a test drive, any vague steering response, knocking from the front wheels over bumps, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle would suggest the steering and suspension components flagged at test have progressed beyond advisory condition. The replacement track rod end is a relatively straightforward repair, but the strut top mount or pin repair is more labour-intensive and should be costed into any purchase decision. The drivetrain and underbody items also warrant direct attention given the repeated CV boot defects recorded in 2024 and 2025. The offside front outer CV joint boot had been recorded as severely deteriorated and then split, so the joint itself should be inspected for torsional vibration, clicking on full lock, or grease loss around the inner and outer bellows. The oil leak advisory, noted at both the 2024 and 2026 tests, should be traced to its source as persistent seepage from the cam cover, sump, or front crankshaft seal could indicate ageing gaskets rather than a one-off residue. The minor rear exhaust leak should be audible as a ticking or hissing from the rear box on cold start, and a final check of the nearside front inner tyre for cracking or edge wear is advisable given the 2024 advisory, with any kerbing damage on the wheel rims also indicating the steering geometry may require further attention.