1994 Peugeot 106 1.0L Petrol · L737 GKN

The 1994 Peugeot 106 passed its most recent MOT on 1st October 2025 at 142,454 miles, but the maintenance picture is mixed. The tester flagged slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and a coolant leak, both of which have appeared repeatedly across multiple tests. This suggests a resolving trend in some areas, structural corrosion and brake efficiency failures were fixed between September 2023 and September 2024, yet the ball joint play and coolant leak persist as ongoing advisories rather than new failures. The vehicle remains roadworthy, but these unresolved items indicate deferred rather than proactive maintenance. The mileage pattern is unusual. Between 29th September 2023 at 141,584 miles and 26th September 2024 at 142,039 miles, the car covered just 455 miles in twelve months. By 1st October 2025 it had reached 142,454 miles, meaning 415 miles were added in the final nine months before the current test. For a 32-year-old car averaging roughly 4,452 miles per year, this points to very light recent use with possible long periods of standing. Low annual mileage can preserve consumables but also risks dried seals, perished hoses, and surface corrosion from inactivity, which aligns with the recurring coolant and oil leaks on record. A buyer should inspect the nearside front suspension arm ball joint carefully, as slight play has been noted in every test since at least September 2023 without a recorded replacement. The coolant leak, specifically attributed to the top hose in 2024, warrants a pressure test and close examination of hose condition, radiator cores, and coolant pipework for age-related deterioration. The oil leak, described as not excessive, should be traced to its source, likely a gasket or seal degraded by heat cycling and age. Both front coil springs were flagged as corroded in 2023, so their condition should be verified, as corrosion on spring surfaces can precede fatigue failure. The 2023 failure for excessive structural corrosion within 30cm of rear body mountings on both sides is the most serious item on record. Although the 2024 and 2025 tests passed without this being re-flagged, a buyer must physically inspect the rear subframe mounting points, sill bases, and floor pans with a probe to confirm the repairs are sound and not cosmetic only. The rear wheel bearings, rear shock absorber bushes, and exhaust minor leaks were also noted in 2023, so listen for rumbling from the rear at speed and check exhaust joints for gas smell. Brake efficiency was below requirements in 2023, so a road test under firm braking is essential to confirm the system has not deteriorated again.