2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · SF65 KMW

A persistent front‑upper suspension mounting play, recorded on every MOT since 2022, dominates the car’s mechanical narrative, and it is reinforced by recurring brake‑disc wear advisories and a historic fractured rear coil spring that forced a failure in 2022. Although the latest test on 18 November 2025 passed without defects, the pattern of repeated advisories indicates that the underlying suspension and braking components have not been fully resolved, and the occasional rear‑exhaust leak adds a further point of concern. At 73 667 mi the vehicle averages roughly 7 300 mi a year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a ten‑year‑old model. The annual MOT cadence shows no prolonged gaps, suggesting the car has been driven consistently rather than stored for extended periods. This steady kilometre accumulation means consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension bushings are likely to have experienced normal wear, but the mileage does not, in itself, explain the repeated advisory items. When inspecting the front suspension, listen for clunking or knocking when driving over bumps and feel for any looseness or wandering of the steering column, especially under braking. Excessive play in the upper mounting points often manifests as a vague shudder or uneven tyre wear; any such symptoms should prompt a detailed examination of the bushings, ball joints and associated dampers, and a consideration of replacement if wear is evident. The fractured rear coil spring recorded in 2022 should be verified as having been repaired; a sagging rear ride height, excessive bounce, or uneven rear tyre wear would indicate that the issue may persist. Brake performance warrants close attention: the front disc wear advisories suggest the discs are approaching the minimum thickness, so the pedal should feel firm without pulsation, and there should be no grinding or high‑pitched squeal under moderate braking. Verify that the brake pedal surface remains functional and not overly smooth, as noted in the 2025 advisory. Check the rear‑exhaust system for ticking or a faint hissing that could betray a lingering leak, and confirm that the coolant level remains stable after a short drive, given multiple low‑coolant advisories. Finally, inspect all four tyres for cracking, side‑wall damage or tread depth approaching the legal limit, and ensure the windscreen washer system operates correctly and the MIL indicator illuminates only when appropriate.