2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · VE66 BNV

The vehicle passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 1 December 2025, retaining a roadworthy certificate, though an advisory was issued for a front engine oil leak deemed not excessive at this stage. Looking back over the available test history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but showing signs of age-related wear creeping in across multiple systems. Between 2019 and 2022 the Mokka passed each annual test with no defects recorded, indicating sound mechanical condition during that period. However, the November 2023 test produced a dangerous failure on the nearside rear brake pads, which were found to be less than 1.5 mm thick, suggesting that the vehicle had likely seen some deferred brake servicing. Subsequent tests in 2024 and 2025 have both flagged multiple advisories, signalling that the vehicle is entering a phase where proactive maintenance of consumables and suspension components is becoming increasingly necessary. The pattern is consistent with a higher-mileage family crossover approaching the typical wear threshold for brake, suspension, and sealing components. With 72,796 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle is averaging around 7,280 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a car of this type and age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged standing, nor any single year where mileage has climbed unusually high. This steady, moderate usage profile is generally favourable for long-term mechanical integrity, as components such as the clutch, drivetrain, and braking system have been worked regularly rather than left to deteriorate through disuse. That said, even moderate annual mileage accumulates wear on suspension bushes, exhaust mountings, and brake discs over a decade, so a thorough physical inspection remains essential before purchase. Given the recurrence of advisories relating to engine oil leakage and front suspension wear, several targeted checks are warranted. The front oil leak advisory has now appeared on two consecutive tests, which suggests a growing seal issue, likely from the camshaft cover, front crank seal, or sump area, and on a test drive you should listen for any ticking from the cam belt area at idle, look for fresh oil residue on the ground where the vehicle is normally parked, and check the oil level and dipstick condition before purchase. The worn nearside front suspension arm rear bush and damaged offside front ball joint dust cover, both noted in 2024, warrant close attention. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed bumps, during sharp steering inputs, or when traversing uneven surfaces, and visually inspect the offside ball joint rubber boot for tearing, grease leakage, or perished edges, as a damaged dust cover will accelerate joint wear once contaminants ingress. Budget for replacement of the rear bush and likely a track rod end or lower arm assembly in the near term. Beyond the recorded defects, the advisories on the offside front tyre tread and the underlying age of the vehicle warrant additional inspection. The nearside rear brake pads that were down to less than 1.5 mm in 2023 will have been renewed, but it is worth confirming the condition of the rear brake discs, as worn pads often cause grooving or lipping that may necessitate disc replacement on the next service. Inspect all four tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking, particularly on a ten-year-old vehicle, and verify that the tyres are a matching set with even tread wear, as uneven wear can indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues stemming from the worn bush. Check the condition of all fluid services by date, as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should have been renewed on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage. Inspect the underside and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the rear axle area, examine the exhaust system for blowing joints or corrosion near the rear silencer, and finally verify the 12V battery health, as a battery on its original unit would be well beyond its expected service life. Request evidence of recent cambelt or timing chain servicing records, as the 1.4-litre turbocharged engines commonly fitted to this model have specific replacement intervals that should not be overlooked.