2019 Vauxhall Mokka 1.4L Petrol · WN69 XLM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 October 2025, was passed but returned two advisories concerning the off‑side front tyre – tread worn close to the legal limit and edge‑wear down to 2 mm – and a note of slight cracking or perishing on the off‑side front and rear tyres. The preceding three tests (2024, 2023 and 2022) were all clean passes with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle has generally been well maintained but that tyre condition is now beginning to deteriorate, a natural progression given the age of the car. With 35 352 miles recorded on a 2019 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5 050 miles per year, which is considerably below the UK average for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be benign but may also lead to age‑related degradation of rubber components, battery plates and brake hardware that are not exercised regularly. There is no evidence of any sudden spikes in mileage that would suggest heavy short‑term abuse, so the wear on drivetrain and suspension parts is likely to be modest. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the tyre set. Verify the tread depth of the off‑side front tyre and confirm that it meets the 1.6 mm legal minimum; the 2 mm figure noted on the MOT suggests it is approaching that limit and may soon require replacement. Examine the sidewalls of all four tyres for cracking, dry‑rot or perishing, especially on the off‑side front and rear where the advisory was issued. Uneven wear patterns could reveal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes, so a visual check of the front control arm and trailing arm bushings for any looseness or oil seepage is advisable. On a test drive listen for any clunk or squeak when turning over bumps, which would indicate deteriorating bushings or worn coil springs, and watch for any pull to one side that would confirm an alignment issue. Given the vehicle’s age and relatively low mileage, also inspect items that suffer from calendar wear. Check the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and test its cranking voltage; a battery that has sat idle for long periods can lose capacity even with few miles logged. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust or glazing and ensure the calipers move freely without binding – standing can cause pistons to seize. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes and that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been refreshed in line with the manufacturer’s time‑based intervals, as fluids can degrade over years regardless of mileage. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.