2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Diesel · SD66 ABK

The most recent MOT on 16 June 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding three years the record shows a mixed picture: 2024 featured a major engine management light fault, rear brake disc advisory and front tyre wear advisories, while 2025 revealed several major suspension‑related defects including worn ball‑joint dust covers and excessive play in the upper MacPherson strut top bush. The absence of any defects in the two latest passes suggests that the owner has addressed the earlier issues and that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory is now stabilising rather than deteriorating. At ten years old the Mokka has logged 72,139 miles, translating to roughly 7,200 miles per annum. This is well within the typical UK usage pattern and points to relatively light duty rather than high‑stress operation. However, the modest annual mileage also raises the possibility of prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate the ageing of rubber components, battery plates and seals even when wear from distance is limited. Consequently, while the mileage itself does not imply excessive mechanical fatigue, age‑related degradation must still be considered. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension and tyre condition. Inspect the ball‑joint dust covers on both lower arms and the track‑rod ends for signs of corrosion, missing retainers or ingress of grit, and verify that the upper MacPherson strut top bushings are free of play and not cracked. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when steering over bumps, and feel for any wandering or uneven response that could indicate residual wear. Examine the front tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and edge wear, remembering that the 2024 and 2025 advisories flagged tyres close to the legal limit; replacement may be imminent if the tread is below 3 mm or if there is visible cupping. Also check the rear brake discs for scoring, rust patches or excessive thickness variation, and confirm that the engine management light remains extinguished, requesting a scan of any stored fault codes to ensure the MIL issue has been fully resolved. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of time‑sensitive items is advisable. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, looking for swollen cases, corroded terminals and checking voltage under load; a battery older than four years may need replacement. Inspect all fluid reservoirs for colour and level, noting that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil can deteriorate even with low mileage and should be refreshed on a calendar basis, typically every two to three years. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion on chassis mounting points, especially around the wheel arches and undercarriage, and ensure that the service book is stamped at appropriate intervals, confirming that oil changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt or chain inspections have been carried out in line with Vauxhall recommendations. Addressing these age‑related checks will give a clearer picture of the Mokka’s long‑term reliability before finalising the purchase.