2016 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · SL66 BWM

The most recent DVSA examination on 31 October 2025 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which is an encouraging immediate indicator. Looking across the broader history, however, the trend is not uniformly stable. The vehicle passed cleanly in 2019, 2021, and 2025, but the 2023 test cycle included a failure for an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, an exhaust carbon monoxide content exceeding manufacturer's limits at idle, and a deteriorated bonnet primary retaining device. The same test on 23 October 2023 was subsequently passed with no defects, suggesting remedial work was carried out, but a vehicle that fails one MOT and immediately passes another with the same registration indicates that some maintenance history should be scrutinised carefully. Earlier advisories on front brake discs, front exhaust mounting, nearside front tyres, and an offside front wheel bearing further suggest that the front-end of this 208 has been working hard and warrants close physical inspection before purchase. The recorded mileage of 120,746 miles over a ten-year life equates to an average of around 12,075 miles per year, which is notably high for a car of this age and segment. Annual figures broadly in the 12,000 to 15,000 mile range are typical for a privately owned small Peugeot, and this example sits towards the upper end, implying consistent and possibly motorway-oriented use. There are no obvious large gaps in the recorded mileage across the MOT history, which is a positive signal against extended standing periods, but it does mean that wear-sensitive items such as clutch, dual-mass flywheel if diesel, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and engine consumables will have accrued significant fatigue. The combination of high annual mileage and a 2023 suspension-related failure is a relevant correlation worth investigating through a pre-purchase inspection. Given the ball joint failure in 2023 and the advisory relating to a slightly noisy offside front wheel bearing in 2022, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension geometry and steering components. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps, rough surfaces, and during full-lock turns, as these can indicate worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or renewed ball joint deterioration. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, would suggest worn wishbone bushes or tracking issues requiring correction. The 2022 advisories noted both front tyres were worn to 3mm on the edges, so a prospective buyer should verify the current age, brand, and tread depth of all four tyres, as well as check the sidewalls for cracking or perishing given that the car is a decade old. Although the 2024 test noted wet conditions, a 2025 clean pass suggests those areas were either replaced or no longer at advisory level. The exhaust carbon monoxide failure in 2023 and the defective front exhaust mounting advisory from 2020 suggest the exhaust system has been a point of attention. On inspection, check for blue or excessive white smoke from the tailpipe on start-up, which would indicate oil or coolant combustion issues, and listen for blowing sounds or rattles that could point to a failing catalytic converter or deteriorated mounting rubbers. The deteriorated bonnet primary retaining device is a safety-critical item and should be physically verified as functioning correctly, with the bonnet latching securely on its secondary catch. Given the high mileage and ten-year age, additional checks should include the condition and voltage of the 12-volt battery, the service history to confirm timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil, the state of the rear brake shoes and drums which are often neglected, and a thorough underbody examination for corrosion, fluid leaks, and CV gaiter integrity. A compression test or diagnostic read for stored fault codes would also be prudent on a high-mileage Peugeot 208 of this vintage.