2010 Peugeot 308 2.0L Diesel · WR10 LXS

A recurring theme in the MOT record is progressive wear in the front suspension and steering assemblies, highlighted by repeated advisories for ball‑joint play on the off‑side front suspension arm and the nearside anti‑roll bar linkage, plus wear on the lower arm pins and bushes. The situation escalated with a fractured nearside front coil spring in January 2024 and a split constant‑velocity boot on the nearside outer drive‑shaft joint in January 2025, both recorded as major failures. The latest test on 21 January 2025 was a pass, but it still carried advisories for the same front‑suspension ball‑joint play and for discoloured direction‑indicator lenses, indicating that the underlying wear pattern has not been fully resolved. At 163,103 miles the vehicle averages just over 10,000 miles per year, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal UK usage for a 2010 model. The MOT history shows a consistent annual testing cadence with no significant gaps, suggesting the odometer reading is credible and the wear observed is in line with the accumulated distance. The mileage level means that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyre tread and suspension bushings are likely approaching the end of their service lives, and the cumulative stress on the CV joint and coil spring is consistent with the failures recorded. When you inspect the car, focus on the front suspension and steering components. Listen for clunks or knocks when driving over bumps, feel for any looseness or wandering in the steering that could betray excessive ball‑joint play, and check the tyre wear pattern for signs of misalignment. A humming or grinding noise from the wheel hubs may indicate the off‑side front bearing that was noted as slightly noisy is deteriorating. Verify that the coil spring is intact and that there is no visible crack or sag in the nearside front spring housing. Examine the CV boot for cracks or oil leakage, and confirm that the joint operates smoothly without clicking. Test the brakes for consistent pedal feel and listen for any judder that could stem from the previously thin pads or worn discs, and ensure the rear service brake releases freely, as a binding rear brake was flagged in 2022. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should include replacement of the fractured coil spring, renewal of the split CV boot, and replacement of the front suspension ball joints, anti‑roll bar linkage bushings and lower arm pins if wear is beyond the advisory stage. The wheel bearing on the off‑side should be checked for play and surface condition, and the headlamps inspected for proper operation and alignment given repeated failures. Finally, replace the damaged off‑side seat‑belt webbing and address the discoloured indicator lenses to avoid future advisory failures. Confirm that all brake components are within safe thickness limits and that the rear brake mechanism moves freely before committing to purchase.