2018 Peugeot Kisbee 0.0L Petrol · AV67 FWD

The most recent MOT test on 2026-01-05 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from the previous year’s failures. While the vehicle’s history includes multiple advisories and a couple of major failures—particularly concerning the front steering bearing stiffness, binding brakes, and exhaust leaks—these issues have either been resolved or reduced to minor defects in the latest tests. The trend over the past two years shows a notable improvement, with no further major failures since the 2025-01-02 test, suggesting that the vehicle has undergone necessary corrective action or that the underlying wear patterns are stabilising. However, the presence of persistent advisories, such as the recurring minor exhaust leaks and stiff steering bearings, indicates ongoing attention is required to prevent potential roadside breakdowns or reduced fuel efficiency. The recorded mileage of 14,570 miles for an eight-year-old Peugeot 208 Kisbee is unusually low for its age, averaging just 1,821 miles annually—a rate that typically reflects either very light usage or extended periods of inactivity. Such low mileage can mask wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and fluids, as these components may not have encountered the same degree of stress as on higher-mileage vehicles. Conversely, it could also imply that the vehicle has been stored for prolonged periods, leading to potential issues such as corrosion from standing fluids, brake disc binding from moisture, or battery degradation due to disuse. The absence of rapid mileage accumulation suggests that the vehicle’s condition may not be directly correlated with wear from driving, but a thorough inspection is still essential to confirm this assumption. Given the MOT history, the buyer should prioritise a detailed inspection of the steering system and braking components. The front steering bearing’s history of stiffness and notching—both minor and major defects—signifies progressive wear in the steering head bearing assembly. During a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or grinding noises when turning, especially at low speeds, as this may indicate bearing failure or misalignment. Additionally, check for excessive play in the steering wheel or a heavy-feeling response, which could signal internal bearing wear. The binding brakes from the 2025-01-02 failure suggest potential corrosion or warping on the brake discs or binding calipers, particularly at the front. Inspect the discs for uneven wear, corrosion, or binding, and listen for a grinding or squeaking sound when applying the brakes, which could indicate metal-to-metal contact. If binding is confirmed, the buyer should consider a full brake inspection and potential disc or pad replacement. For the exhaust system, the recurring leaks—ranging from minor to major—highlight a critical issue that must be addressed promptly. A major exhaust leak can lead to reduced engine efficiency, increased emissions, and potential carbon monoxide poisoning risks. During the test drive, listen for a roaring or hissing noise from the exhaust, particularly when accelerating or braking, as this may indicate a loose or damaged exhaust manifold, pipe, or catalytic converter. Visually inspect the exhaust system for cracks, holes, or disconnections, and check for excessive smoke from the tailpipe, which could signal a failing catalytic converter or exhaust manifold gasket failure. If the leak persists, the buyer should arrange for a professional inspection to determine the exact source and cost of repair, as exhaust work can be costly and may require replacing multiple components. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should also verify the vehicle’s tyre condition, focusing on sidewall perishing due to age, uneven wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension issues, and ensuring the tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Given the vehicle’s low mileage, inspect the 12V battery for signs of corrosion, fluid leaks, or reduced charge capacity, as disuse can accelerate battery failure. Lastly, check the service history for any missing or outdated fluid servicing, such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage.