2011 Peugeot 308 1.6L Diesel · ST11 OSB

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 April 2024 recorded a PASS with no defects, which represents a positive and stabilising outcome following the previous FAIL dated 25 March 2024. That earlier test, however, highlighted several items that warrant close attention from a prospective buyer. The dangerous nearside front tyre tread depth below the 1.6mm minimum indicates that tyre replacement was carried out, but it also suggests a pattern of rapid front axle wear. The fractured nearside front coil spring is particularly noteworthy given that an offside front coil spring failed in March 2022, pointing to a recurring suspension weakness rather than an isolated component failure. Both rear exhaust defects (advisory in 2023 and major in 2024) further suggest the system mounts and hangers are deteriorating progressively and may soon require replacement of the rear section or its supporting rubbers. With 120,694 miles recorded over approximately fifteen years, the vehicle is averaging around 8,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment. The MOT record shows annual testing from 2019 through 2024 with no extended gaps in mileage reporting, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing. That said, at this mileage the timing belt, water pump, clutch, dual-mass flywheel (if applicable), and turbocharger components on diesel variants will be at or approaching the upper end of their design life, and any documentary evidence of major scheduled servicing should be scrutinised carefully. The relatively even annual accumulation also means wear-related defects such as suspension component fatigue are more likely to surface, as evidenced by the coil spring failures and exhaust mount deterioration. Given the recurring front coil spring failures on both nearside and offside sides, a buyer should carry out a thorough road test listening for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning or braking, and visually inspect both front springs for any sign of corrosion pitting or cracking at the lower coils. The front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in 2023, so the discs and caliper slide pins should be inspected for lipping, corrosion, and binding, with a test for any pulling to one side under braking. The 2022 advisories for both rear tyres showing perishing and cracking mean the wheels now fitted should be examined for sidewall cracking, DOT date codes, and uneven shoulder wear, as age-related rubber degradation is common on a vehicle of this vintage regardless of fitted tread depth. Beyond the recorded defects, practical age-appropriate checks should include verification of the 12V battery state of health, as batteries beyond five years frequently show reduced cranking performance, particularly after periods of short journeys. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be checked for age-related degradation rather than solely by colour, with any service history gaps in fluid changes treated as a likely requirement. Inspect the exhaust system fully along its length for corrosion at the joints and flexi section, test the air conditioning compressor operation, and check for oil leaks from the sump, cam cover, and turbo seals if applicable. Finally, confirm the instrument cluster readings against the service book stamps and V5C to verify the mileage record is consistent, and request any invoices for the suspension and exhaust work completed since the April 2024 test to evidence that the repairs were carried out to a satisfactory standard.