2016 Vauxhall Mokka 1.6L Diesel · YA65 XRW

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 January 2026 resulted in a PASS, with a single advisory recorded for an oil leak deemed not excessive under reference 8.4.1 (a) (i). This advisory is identical to one issued at the previous test on 29 January 2025, indicating that the oil seepage has neither worsened sufficiently to constitute a failure nor resolved itself between inspections. The pattern across the recent test history suggests a stable maintenance profile overall, with no structural, braking, or suspension advisories appearing in any of the recorded tests. The progression of recorded defects shows tyre condition advisories in early 2021, a brake pad wear advisory in early 2024, and the persistent minor oil leak advisories over the last two cycles, which collectively points to a vehicle that has been conscientiously maintained but is beginning to exhibit the typical age-related wear items one would expect of a ten year old car. Recorded mileage stands at 31,195 miles over a ten year lifespan, equating to an annual average of around 3,120 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age. The MOT history itself contains only eight recorded tests spanning 2018 to 2026, with consistent annual entries from 2021 onwards, suggesting the vehicle has been used regularly but for short journeys rather than long-distance touring. Such low annual mileage can be indicative of light use, predominantly urban or stop-start driving, and extended periods of standing between uses. Mechanically, this profile tends to accelerate certain calendar-based degradation processes rather than distance-based wear, meaning attention should be directed towards corrosion of brake discs and calipers from lack of use, ageing of rubber and plastic components, and potential deterioration of fluids and the 12 volt battery despite low odometer readings. Given the recurring oil leak advisory, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection beneath the engine bay, paying particular attention to the valve cover gasket, the sump plug area, and any residue tracking down the side of the engine block or onto the exhaust manifold, which would indicate a hotter leak. On a test drive, listen for any change in engine note that might suggest oil pressure concerns, and verify that the oil level on the dipstick is at the correct mark and that the oil appears clean rather than heavily discoloured. The rear brake pad advisory from January 2024 should now be considered overdue for attention, as a further two years of use will likely have brought the pads closer to or beyond minimum friction material thickness, and any audible grinding or squealing from the rear during low-speed manoeuvres would confirm this. On a test drive, the brakes should be tested firmly from higher speeds to detect any shudder through the pedal, which would indicate disc warping, and a visual check of the rear discs for a pronounced lip on the outer edge will confirm wear progression. In addition to the advisories, this low mileage ten year old example requires specific age-related checks regardless of its MOT pass record. The front tyres flagged for wear and perishing in 2021 should be examined closely for cracking on the sidewalls, particularly in the flexing zone between the tread and the wheel rim, as rubber hardens with age independent of tread depth. Brake calipers that have seen infrequent use can bind, producing uneven pad wear and pulling to one side under braking, so a deliberate test of the brakes from speed with the steering slightly offset should reveal any imbalance. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as batteries typically degrade after five to seven years and standing periods accelerate sulphation, and the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid should all be verified for recent replacement dates in the service book, as these items degrade through time rather than mileage. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle, the suspension coil springs, and the rubber bushes for any surface corrosion or perishing, and check the exhaust system for blueing or soot deposits around joints that may indicate a developing leak at the manifold gasket or downstream flex joint, all of which are common age-related issues for a Vauxhall Mokka of this vintage.