2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · WD65 UGG

A pattern of suspension and braking wear dominates the MOT record of this 2016 Vauxhall Mokka, with the most recent test on 27 February 2026 returning a clean pass but only shortly after a notable failure on the same date in 2025. That 2025 test identified both inner front suspension arm bushes as excessively worn, flagged as Major defects on the nearside and offside rear control bushes, alongside a front brake pad advisory. The 2024 test raised a coolant leak from the expansion tank and pressure cap, and the 2023 test recorded an insecure rear exhaust system as a Major failure alongside advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit. Earlier tests in 2021 and 2022 passed with no advisories, suggesting the issues surfaced from around 2023 onwards, with the front suspension and brakes representing the primary mechanical concerns rather than the vehicle's overall structural integrity. The recorded mileage of 49,351 over approximately ten years equates to around 4,935 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This pattern of use typically results in reduced wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, driveline and internal engine components, but it can accelerate deterioration of rubber and polymer items through prolonged standing, including suspension bushes, tyre sidewalls, brake seals and coolant hoses. The MOT history shows roughly 7,000 to 9,000 miles accumulated between consecutive tests, consistent with light, irregular use rather than sustained daily driving. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension overhaul implied by the 2025 Major defects should be the priority inspection point. Both inner rear control arm bushes on the front axle had worn to an excessive level, and on a test drive any clonking or knocking over speed humps, on uneven road surfaces, or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres would warrant further investigation. Uneven or accelerated front tyre wear, vague steering response, or a tendency for the vehicle to tram-line along ruts may indicate the bushes have not been replaced or that further wear has developed since the 2025 test. The front brake pads, noted as wearing thin at that same test, should be physically inspected for remaining friction material thickness, and the discs checked for lipping, corrosion ridges or scoring, as pads and discs on a low-mileage vehicle that has stood for extended periods often corrode unevenly. The 2024 advisory regarding a coolant leak from the expansion tank and pressure cap also deserves close attention, as plastic cooling components on a ten-year-old Mokka commonly become brittle and prone to seepage, particularly after periods of inactivity. The expansion tank, cap, and surrounding hose joints should be examined for staining, residue or active dampness, and the coolant level verified with the system cold. Additionally, the 2023 insecure exhaust system should prompt a check that all mounting rubbers, hangers and the rear silencer remain properly supported, and a listen under load for any rattles or blowing. The 2023 front tyre advisories for edge wear and perishing are also worth noting, as perished sidewalls can fail suddenly and any tyres older than five years should be examined for cracking regardless of tread depth. Finally, the 2025 minor defect for an inoperative offside registration plate lamp should be confirmed as a simple bulb or LED replacement, but a check of all exterior lighting is sensible given the vehicle's age.