2010 Peugeot 308 1.6L Petrol · WM10 GDZ

A 2010 Peugeot 308 returning a fully unadorned MOT pass at the most recent test on 6 November 2024, having passed cleanly in 2023 and 2022 as well, presents a reassuring picture of structural and mechanical roadworthiness on paper, but the dual failure records logged on 6 November 2024 and the prior failure on 23 October 2024 cannot be ignored. Two failed attempts within the same fortnight strongly suggest that the vehicle was submitted for test in an unready condition and then rectified quickly off-site, rather than suffering from any deeply chronic or catastrophic defects. With no advisory notes, no component-specific failures, and no corrosion entries recorded across five years of testing history, the data does not point to the usual suspects found on a sixteen-year-old Peugeot 308 such as perished front suspension arms, seized rear brake calipers, corroded underbody panels, or tired coil springs. The lack of any recorded advisories over multiple tests is unusual for a car of this vintage and may indicate either meticulous pre-test presentation, or advisories being addressed immediately after each test rather than left recorded. Against an age of sixteen years, an indicated mileage of 70,059 miles equates to an average accumulation of roughly 4,379 miles annually, which is markedly below the typical private-use figure and points toward either limited regular driving, retirement as a second household car, or extended periods of standing. The MOT record shows testing in consecutive years from 2022 through 2024 with no multi-year absence, so the vehicle has not been declared off the road for any prolonged lay-up that would raise immediate concerns about seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, or a heavily sulphated battery. However, a low annual mileage of this nature on a PSA-sourced turbocharged petrol or HDi diesel drivetrain commonly allows oil seals, gaskets, and turbo oil feed lines to weep through lack of regular thermal cycling, while brake discs can suffer from surface corrosion and binding sliders through infrequent operation. The absence of any mileage data from prior years in the supplied history means that the consistency of use over the vehicle's earlier life cannot be verified, and any unexpected jump or stagnation between 2022 and 2024 should be cross-checked against the service book and V5C records. For a prospective buyer conducting a physical inspection, the absence of recorded advisories on the front suspension should not be taken as proof that the components are sound; the front lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mounts on the Peugeot 308 platform are well known for splitting and tearing well before 70,000 miles, particularly given the low-and-slow use profile that allows rubber to perish through age rather than wear. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking transmitted through the steering column when traversing broken surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes at low speed, and feel for any vagueness or shimmy in the steering that could indicate worn wishbone rear bushings or tired tie rod ends. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive without any sponginess, and the vehicle should pull up in a straight line without steering pull, which would suggest either a seized sliding caliper on the rear axle or uneven pad wear from infrequent use. Inspect the inner and outer faces of the front discs for a pronounced lip and any pitting scoring that would necessitate replacement, and check that the handbrake holds firmly on a moderate incline, as rear caliper mechanisms on lightly used vehicles frequently seize in the off position. Under the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front subframe mounting points, the inner wing valances, and the suspension turret areas for any bubbling or perforation corrosion, as these are the typical structural failure zones on the Peugeot 308 and would normally have appeared as advisories had they been present at test time. Inspect the engine bay for signs of oil misting around the cam cover gasket and the valve cover, as well as any residue around the turbocharger oil return pipe on diesel variants, and check the coolant expansion tank for staining that would indicate a failing water pump or thermostat housing, both known weak points on this engine family. Confirm that the timing belt or chain service interval has been observed at the correct mileage or age threshold, as this is a non-negotiable maintenance item on the TU5 or DV6 powerplants. Finally, verify the operation of the electronic handbrake and the rear electric window mechanisms, as these are common failure items on the 308 that would not normally surface in an MOT test but materially affect day-to-day usability and ownership cost.