2016 Peugeot 308 1.2L Petrol · YN16 XPC

A pattern of small but recurring advisories centred on fluid leaks, front brake condition, and minor electrical and wiper defects defines the mechanical story of this 2016 Peugeot 308 across its recorded MOT history. The most recent test on 31 January 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories recorded, which on the surface is positive, but the year prior (17 February 2025) it was presented with four advisories covering an engine side oil leak, a gearbox side oil leak, a broken anti-roll bar link bolt, and a loose offside front headlamp bracket, alongside a failure on the same date for smearing wiper blades and an inoperative registration plate lamp. Earlier records show similar minor themes reappearing: smearing front wiper blades in 2024, brake disc wear and pitting on both front discs, and a recurring oil leak advisory stretching through 2024 and 2025. The 2021 failure on both front wipers failing to clear the windscreen effectively demonstrates that wiper mechanism performance has been an intermittent concern for several years. While no single defect is severe enough to warrant failing the vehicle, the accumulation of fluid-related advisories and front-end component wear suggests the car should be inspected carefully rather than accepted on the latest pass alone. With seven tests recorded over the last decade and an indicated mileage of 67,917 miles, this 308 has averaged roughly 6,800 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and is consistent with regular rather than heavy use. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record, indicating the vehicle has remained on the road continuously and has not been subject to long periods of standing, which reduces the likelihood of seized brakes, perished cooling system hoses, or battery deterioration from inactivity. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than abrupt, suggesting normal annual accumulation without any unusually high motorway mileage that might prematurely wear the clutch or drivetrain. This usage profile is mechanically neutral, meaning consumable wear such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components should be progressing at a normal rate relative to age and mileage. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points should focus on the components flagged repeatedly in the MOT history. Both engine and gearbox oil leaks were advised in 2024 and 2025, so it is worth checking the underside of the engine and the bellhousing area for fresh seepage and asking whether the car leaves drips on a driveway. Listen at idle for any rumble or whirring from the manual gearbox that might indicate worn bearings, and check the oil level on the dipstick to ensure it is within range. The 2025 advisory noting a broken anti-roll bar drop link bolt warrants jacking the car or observing it on a ramp; listen for a clonking noise from the front suspension over speed humps or rough tarmac, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle that can result from compromised anti-roll bar function. The damaged headlamp bracket should also be confirmed as repaired, as a loose unit can allow moisture ingress and bulb misalignment. The brake disc advisory from early 2024 stated both front discs were worn, pitted, or scored, though not seriously weakened at that time. Two years on at 67,917 miles, those original discs may now be closer to the minimum thickness, particularly given the front brakes do the majority of the work on a front-heavy hatchback of this type. On a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any judder through the steering wheel or a pulsating brake pedal, which would indicate disc warping. Listen for any grinding or scraping noise that suggests pad material is exhausted, and check that the car pulls up in a straight line without tugging. Wiper blade condition should be assessed in person by spraying the screen and observing whether both arms clear cleanly without smearing, as this defect has appeared in three separate tests. Finally, the under-tray advisory noted in 2024 may be obscuring a thorough visual inspection of the underside, so it is reasonable to ask for it to be removed before purchase to allow a proper check for corrosion on subframe and suspension components.