2020 Peugeot 5008 1.2L Petrol · SD20 AZW

The Peugeot 5008’s MOT history shows a vehicle that has passed three of its last four tests without defects, though the most recent failure in May 2026—just a day before the final pass—reveals two critical issues: a loose offside front track rod end ball joint and a missing brake hydraulic reservoir cap. The ball joint failure (2.1.3 (b) (i)) is a serious suspension defect that, if left unaddressed, risks wheel alignment issues, uneven tyre wear, and potential steering instability. The missing cap (1.1.10 (e)) is a minor but avoidable oversight, suggesting either neglect or a hasty pre-test fix. That the car passed cleanly in May 2025 and again in 2024 indicates these problems emerged suddenly rather than as part of a gradual decline, though the 2023 test did highlight thinning brake pads and worn discs—issues that should have been rectified before the 2026 failure. Mileage accumulation has been steady and typical for a six-year-old vehicle, averaging around 10,828 miles per year, with no red flags for either excessive wear or prolonged inactivity. The gap between the 2023 test (27,564 miles) and the 2024 test (42,164 miles) suggests the car covered roughly 14,600 miles in under 12 months, which is unremarkable. The most recent 12,000 miles between May 2025 and May 2026 were completed without further defects, though the sudden appearance of the track rod end issue in that period is concerning. The absence of advisories or recurring minor faults in recent tests also implies that, aside from the May 2026 failure, the vehicle has been maintained adequately in terms of routine checks. For a buyer, the immediate priority is verifying that the failed track rod end ball joint has been professionally replaced and retested, as this is a high-wear suspension component prone to premature failure if not addressed. The 2023 record of worn brake pads and pitted rear discs (1.1.13 (a) (ii) and 1.1.14 (a) (ii)) should also be checked—if these were not renewed, the braking system may now be at greater risk of binding calipers or uneven stopping distances. Given the missing hydraulic reservoir cap in the failed test, inspect the brake fluid level and condition; low or contaminated fluid can exacerbate pad and disc wear. Finally, check for any signs of corrosion or structural damage, particularly around the undertrays (noted in 2023), as this model can be susceptible to rust in high-salt or wet conditions. The clean MOT passes in 2024 and 2025 suggest the car has been driven responsibly, but the sudden suspension and brake-related failures demand thorough pre-purchase scrutiny.