2015 Peugeot 208 1.2L Petrol · SP15 ONW

A chronic exhaust leakage issue has been the defining mechanical thread running through this Peugeot 208's MOT history, with advisories for minor gas leaks recorded in 2022 and again in 2025, and a more serious dangerous failure in early 2020 when the rear silencer was deemed likely to become detached due to broken front exhaust mountings. The most recent test on 2 May 2025 resulted in a pass, but the reappearance of the exhaust advisory after it had been absent from the 2023 and 2024 entries suggests the repair carried out following the 2020 failure has not fully resolved the underlying issue, and a prospective buyer should expect further exhaust work to be required. Separately, a 2023 test failure for a nearside front shock absorber recorded as damaged to the extent it no longer functioned is a notable suspension event, and while the vehicle subsequently passed later that same day following remedial work, the replacement component should be inspected for any signs of fluid misting or premature wear given the relatively low annual mileage. With 46,068 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this 208 has covered only around 4,188 miles per year on average, which is considerably below the typical figure for a vehicle of this age and means wear on major drivetrain components is likely reduced, but also raises the possibility of extended periods of standing. The test record shows continuous annual testing from 2020 onwards without any significant gaps, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for prolonged periods. The mileage progression between tests appears broadly consistent with steady light use, and there is no recorded jump that would suggest clocking or discrepancy. However, low-mileage vehicles that are used predominantly for short urban journeys can suffer disproportionately from undertray corrosion, brake disc surface corrosion, and oil seal drying, even when overall mileage is modest. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the front brake discs and pads, as the nearside front pad was flagged as wearing thin in both 2023 and 2024, and while pads were clearly replaced at some point between those dates, the discs themselves may have worn in tandem and could now be at or approaching their minimum thickness, producing a pedal vibration or judder under heavy braking. The nearside front suspension should be examined closely for any knocking, clonking, or springing noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as a shock absorber that has been replaced once on a low-mileage vehicle can be a sign that it suffered an impact or that the original unit failed prematurely. Any signs of hydraulic fluid residue on the replacement strut body, or uneven tyre wear on the nearside front, would warrant further investigation into the integrity of the suspension repair. The persistent exhaust problem demands a thorough under-vehicle examination with the car raised on a ramp, listening for any ticking or hissing sounds from the full length of the system while the engine is running, and physically checking that all mountings, hangers, and rubber bushes are intact and free from cracking, particularly around the front section where the 2020 dangerous defect was centred. The rear exhaust box should be tapped to detect any internal corrosion, as silencers on vehicles of this age are prone to burning out from the inside even when external appearance looks acceptable. The tyre monitor advisory from the latest test suggests one or more wheel sensors may be faulty or have a depleted battery, which is a common Peugeot failure and will require diagnostic investigation to identify which sensor is at fault, but does not otherwise affect roadworthiness. Finally, although the 2022 advisory regarding an insecure battery was a minor issue, it is worth confirming that the battery clamp and terminal security are properly addressed, and that the battery itself is holding charge reliably, particularly given the low annual mileage which can shorten battery lifespan through chronic undercharging.