2021 Peugeot Boxer 333 L2S TLL Bluehdi 2.2L Diesel · NX71 ACJ

A fractured Macpherson strut mounting and hub assembly near the pinch bolt, recorded as a Dangerous defect at the October 2024 retest, defines the mechanical character of this Boxer and warrants the closest scrutiny from any prospective buyer. Although the same test saw a headlamp aim defect (PRS only), it is the suspension failure that carries genuine safety and structural significance, as a fractured strut mount under load compromises wheel alignment, handling stability, and braking response. That the vehicle subsequently passed both the 21 October 2024 retest and the 15 October 2025 MOT with no defects recorded is reassuring on paper, but the nature of the original failure suggests an event rather than gradual wear, and a thorough inspection of the offside front strut, hub, pinch bolt area, and surrounding mounting points is essential to confirm the repair was carried out correctly and that no secondary damage to the steering or suspension geometry remains. At roughly 14,041 miles over five years, annual usage of about 2,808 miles is notably low for a commercial vehicle of this class and age, particularly for a BlueHDi diesel that would typically be expected to cover substantially higher distances. Light use of this nature generally preserves mechanical consumables, yet it also raises legitimate concerns around standing-related degradation such as brake disc corrosion, dried suspension bushes, perished coolant hoses, and diesel particulate filter soot accumulation from repeated short or infrequent running cycles. A test drive should therefore specifically target evidence of stiff or binding brakes, clonks or imprecise responses from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and any hesitation, smoke, or warning lights during extended running that might indicate DPF saturation rather than simply a lack of use. For the front suspension in particular, listen and feel for any knocking, creaking, or wandering on uneven roads, as the original failure involved a fracture at the strut pinch bolt, a known stress point that can recur if the repair did not address the underlying cause or if the new components were not correctly torqued. Inspect the offside front wheel for uneven tyre wear, which would suggest lingering alignment issues, and rock the wheel at top and bottom to detect any play in the hub bearing, since the recorded failure noted fracturing near the hub itself. On the steering side, check for free play or a wandering front end at speed, which could indicate that the strut mount has again loosened or that the replacement hub was not seated properly. The headlamp aim defect, while minor in isolation, should also be confirmed as currently corrected, ideally via a properly calibrated beam setter rather than visual judgement alone. Finally, given the low mileage, the prospective buyer should satisfy themselves on items that deteriorate through age rather than use. Confirm that the brake discs are free from significant lipping or surface corrosion that could cause pedal judder or low-speed squeal, and that the rear calipers and handbrake mechanism operate freely after prolonged standing. Examine the underside, including the subframe, brake and fuel lines, and exhaust hangers, for any early corrosion consistent with a working vehicle rather than an immaculate garage queen. Inspect the coolant and brake fluid for discolouration indicating age-related degradation, and run the engine long enough to bring it fully up to temperature, listening for injector knock or timing-chain noise that only emerges when warm. A live diagnostic read for any stored emissions or DPF-related fault codes would also be prudent, as the BlueHDi unit is particularly sensitive to short-journey driving patterns that this mileage profile suggests has been its primary use.