2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · TS02 LAS

The most recent MOT, carried out on 18 April 2023, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. Over the previous five‑year period the MOT record shows a consistent pattern of passes, with only a single advisory for a minor oil leak in February 2019 and a one‑off failure for headlamp aim on the same date. Since the headlamp issue was rectified and the oil leak has not been flagged again, the overall maintenance trend can be judged as stable, with no evidence of progressive deterioration in the core safety items. At ten years old the Mokka has logged 46,225 miles, which works out to an average of roughly 4,600 miles per annum – well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles per year. This low annual mileage suggests the car has been driven lightly, possibly with extended periods of storage. Light use generally reduces wear on consumables such as brake pads, clutch discs and tyre tread, but it also means that components susceptible to calendar ageing – for example rubber seals, hoses, and tyre sidewalls – may have deteriorated despite the modest distance covered. The advisory for an oil leak recorded in 2019 should be investigated before purchase. Ask the seller to pinpoint the source – whether it is a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, or a minor leak from a plug – and inspect the engine bay for fresh oil stains or drips on the ground after a short run. While the MOT examiner deemed the leak non‑excessive, a slow leak can eventually lead to low oil level, increased engine wear or overheating, and may become more pronounced as seals age. Verify that the oil level is correct, look for any oily residue on the underside of the vehicle, and listen for any abnormal engine noises such as ticking that could indicate insufficient lubrication. Also confirm that the headlamp aim has been correctly adjusted since the 2019 failure, checking for proper illumination pattern and ensuring the beams are not too low or high, which can affect night‑time visibility and safety. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile inspection is essential. Examine the tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that can develop even on lightly used wheels, and confirm that the tread depth meets legal limits. Inspect the 12 V battery for signs of sulphation or reduced cranking power, and consider a load test if the battery is more than three years old. Check the brake discs for surface rust, pitting or glazing, and verify that the pads have sufficient material and that the calipers move freely without binding. Look over the suspension bushes, ball joints and rubber mounts for any hardening, cracks or excessive play, especially if the car has been stationary for long periods. Finally, review the service history for calendar‑based fluid changes – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – as these fluids can degrade over time regardless of mileage, and ensure that any recommended time‑interval services have been observed.