PEUGEOT BOXER1998 · 2.4L DIESEL

The 1998 Peugeot Boxer presents a stable and improving roadworthiness trend, culminating in a completely clean MOT pass on 21 May 2021 at 43,687 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean bill of health is significant because it follows a five-year stretch between 2015 and 2018 where the tester repeatedly flagged corrosion around the front radiator support crossmember area. The fact that no corrosion-related advisories appeared in the 2021 test suggests either remedial work was carried out or the vehicle was stored in conditions that halted further deterioration. The maintenance trajectory is therefore one of resolution rather than decline. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of extremely light use. Across roughly 28 years, the vehicle has covered approximately 43,687 miles, equating to around 1,560 miles annually. Between the June 2016 test at 38,142 miles and the July 2018 test at 41,893 miles, the Boxer added 3,751 miles over two years. From July 2018 to May 2021, it covered just 1,794 miles in nearly three years, indicating prolonged periods of standing. Such low annual accumulation limits wear on consumables, drivetrain, and braking components, but raises its own concerns around seized brakes, perished rubber hoses, and fuel system condensation from irregular use. Prospective buyers should focus their in-person inspection on the front structural area that historically attracted corrosion advisories. Examine the radiator support crossmember, lower bracket, and surrounding mountings for fresh corrosion or evidence of welding repairs. Check whether the front coil springs and suspension bushes show cracking or deterioration consistent with age rather than mileage. With the vehicle having sat for extended periods, inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion and confirm the calipers are not binding, particularly at the rear. Assess all rubber brake hoses, fuel lines, and coolant hoses for perishing, as dry-age degradation is a greater threat on a vehicle like this than wear from use. A test drive should verify smooth gear changes, listen for exhaust gas leaks from a deteriorating manifold or system, and confirm the engine reaches operating temperature without overheating, given the historical attention to the radiator support area. The clean 2021 result is encouraging, but the five-year gap since that test means a fresh MOT should be viewed as a baseline before committing to purchase.