2017 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · ST67 AXH

A consistent pattern of minor electrical and lighting failures combined with recurring child-seat advisories and front suspension dust cover deterioration defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2017 Vauxhall Mokka. Across eight recorded tests spanning 2020 to late 2025, the vehicle has passed on six occasions but failed twice within the same calendar year as a subsequent pass, both failures attributed to straightforward lighting defects: a non-functional offside stop lamp recorded as a preseason item in September 2023, and a nearside rear position lamp failure in July 2022. The most recent test on 3 October 2025 resulted in a pass with three advisories, including the first recorded mention of an oil leak noted as not excessive under section 8.4.1 (a) (i), alongside the familiar child-seat fitment advisory on both rear seating positions. The 2024 test introduced a more mechanically significant note, flagging both nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joint dust covers as severely deteriorated under the minor defect category, which warrants close attention given the age and mileage of the components. Overall, the failure trend is limited to non-structural lighting issues, but the cumulative advisories indicate front suspension wear and the emergence of an engine or gearbox oil leak that has now entered the official record. With 82,367 miles recorded over nine years, this vehicle accumulates roughly 9,152 miles annually, a figure consistent with typical private use for a car of this age. The testing history shows annual or near-annual MOTs without any extended gaps, confirming the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than being laid up for long periods. This steady accumulation pattern supports a reasonable expectation that consumable items such as brakes, tyres, and suspension linkages will have experienced proportionate wear rather than being compromised by either prolonged standing or excessive high-mileage accumulation. The mileage progression between tests is broadly linear, with no evidence of clock anomalies or sudden jumps, and the fairly even usage profile means mechanical condition should reflect normal service intervals rather than any unusual stress or neglect. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension dust cover deterioration flagged in September 2024 is the priority item requiring physical inspection, as perished ball joint boots permit water and grit ingress, accelerating wear on the joint itself. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or slack in the steering when turning, particularly at low speed. The technician should also check for any grease contamination around the inner wheelarch liners and verify free movement of the joints by hand with the wheel removed, as the dust cover defect is classed as minor only because the joint itself has not yet reached the threshold of excessive play. The oil leak advisory recorded in 2025, though described as not excessive, should prompt a visual inspection of the engine and gearbox for fresh seepage, with particular attention to the rocker cover gasket, sump plug area, and any oily residue on the underside or drive shafts, as oil leaks tend to worsen progressively once established. The lighting failures recorded in 2022 and 2023 are inexpensive to rectify but warrant a brief functional check of all exterior lamps, including position lamps, stop lamps, indicators, and reverse lights, to confirm none are currently failing or showing intermittent operation. The tyre condition advisories from 2024, which noted slight damage, cracking, or perishing on both rear tyres, indicate the rubber compound is reaching an age where deterioration accelerates, and a buyer should inspect the rear tyres closely for sidewall cracking, tread depth remaining across the full width, and any bulges or splits. Given the recurring child-seat fitment advisory across virtually every test since 2021, prospective buyers should be aware that adult belt condition on the rear seats has not been fully inspected, and a thorough check of the rear belt webbing, retractor function, and buckles is advisable. Finally, a general underbody inspection for corrosion is recommended, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake lines, as the Mokka platform is not immune to surface corrosion after nine winters of British road use.