2004 Peugeot Autoquest 2.0L Diesel · AE04 FSC

A chronic pattern of front brake disc wear is the defining mechanical narrative for this 2004 Peugeot Autoquest, with pitted and scored front discs flagged across four consecutive annual tests from 2023 through 2026, alongside a recent advisory for fluctuating front service brake performance. Despite these recurring brake-related advisories, the vehicle has consistently passed each MOT, with the most recent test on 20 June 2026 confirming roadworthy status alongside notes for a chipped windscreen. The consistency of the front disc advisories year on year suggests progressive surface deterioration rather than a sudden defect, and the addition of a fluctuating brake balance advisory in 2026 indicates the braking system is now showing early functional symptoms beyond mere disc surface condition. While none of these issues have yet resulted in a test failure, the trajectory warrants close mechanical scrutiny from any prospective buyer. With 70,714 miles recorded over approximately 22 years, this Autoquest has averaged around 3,214 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and suggests periods of either light running or extended inactivity. Such low annual mileage typically results in greater strain on rubber and polymer components such as suspension bushes, flexible brake hoses, drive belt rubber, and various seals, which can deteriorate through age and standing time rather than through use. Continuous annual testing with no apparent gaps indicates the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the public road throughout the recorded period, which is reassuring from a corrosion and structural standpoint. However, the combination of low mileage and 22 years of service means that age-related degradation of non-moving rubber and plastic parts should be expected even where wear-based items remain relatively fresh. Given the recurring front brake disc advisories, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system before purchase. The front discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored at every test since 2023, so measuring remaining disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum specification is essential, and any judder, vibration, or pulsing through the brake pedal under firm application would confirm that the discs have now reached the point of requiring replacement. The 2026 advisory noting fluctuating front service brake performance suggests uneven caliper operation or uneven pad wear, so on a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding noises, check for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, and inspect the calipers for seized slide pins or uneven pad deposition. Given the age of the vehicle, the flexible brake hoses and rear brake components including shoes, drums, or discs and the handbrake mechanism should also be examined for integrity and effective operation. Beyond the braking system, the recurring windscreen chip advisories across multiple years suggest that the same area of damage has remained unrepaired and should be checked to ensure it has not extended into the driver's critical vision zone or spread into a crack requiring full screen replacement. The age of the vehicle means a thorough inspection of suspension components is warranted, with particular attention to ball joints, control arm bushes, and anti-roll bar links, which can perish or develop play over time, producing clonking noises over bumps or vagueness in the steering. On a test drive, listen for any knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, check for excessive wandering or imprecise steering response, and inspect the underbody and subframe mounting points for corrosion given the vehicle's 22-year service life. Finally, a check of all fluid levels, a visual inspection for any oil leaks from the engine and transmission, and verification of the cambelt or timing belt replacement interval history would be prudent given the vehicle's age, even where the MOT record itself does not flag these specific items.