2014 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · SC63 MVU

The Peugeot 208’s MOT history reveals a vehicle that has been intermittently neglected, with critical mechanical issues persisting despite multiple test failures. The most recent December 2024 test at 88,694 miles passed without defects, but this followed an immediate prior failure on the same date for severe CV joint boot deterioration on both front driveshafts—one classified as a dangerous defect (6.1.7 (g) (i)). This suggests the issue was either overlooked or ignored between tests, as the same problem had already been flagged in December 2023 at 86,885 miles. The pattern indicates a worsening trend in driveshaft maintenance, with the nearside joint also showing signs of failure in the 2024 retest. While the absence of defects in the final 2024 pass is encouraging, the repeated failures on the same components imply either deferred repairs or a lack of proactive servicing. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation—averaging around 7,391 miles per year—aligns with typical usage for its age, though the clustering of tests in December suggests the owner may have delayed testing until the last possible moment. The gap between the 2022 pass at 80,381 miles and the 2023 failures at 86,885 miles (a 6,504-mile jump in just over a year) hints at inconsistent maintenance intervals. More concerning is the December 2023 double failure, where the tester also noted missing road wheel fixings—a structural safety issue—and inoperative rear registration plate lamps, both of which should have been addressed before retesting. The lack of a 2025 MOT entry raises further questions about whether the vehicle has been driven without a valid certificate, a serious legal and safety risk. For a prospective buyer, the driveshaft CV joints demand immediate attention. The repeated failures on the boots—now compromised to the point of dirt ingress—suggest imminent joint wear or failure, which could lead to catastrophic suspension or steering loss. Inspect the joints visually for grease leaks, excessive play, or abnormal noises when turning the wheel. The front brake pads, flagged in 2023 at less than 1.5mm thickness, should be checked for current wear depth; if unaddressed, they pose a significant braking risk. The missing road wheel fixings in 2023 imply potential corrosion or tampering—verify all wheel nuts are present, secure, and free of rust. Finally, given the registration plate lamp failure, confirm all lighting circuits function, including bulbs and wiring, as electrical faults can escalate into more serious issues. The absence of structural defects in the passed tests is positive, but the history of deferred repairs on critical components warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.