2010 Peugeot 407 2.0L Diesel · BT59 MXB

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 October 2015 resulted in an MOT failure, with three separate defect items recorded: excessive metered smoke from the exhaust, a windscreen obstruction within the swept area, and an inadequately supported nearside rear brake pipe. Prior to that, the vehicle had a pass on 21 October 2014 carrying only an advisory note for a slightly chafed nearside front brake hose, although the very same date also shows a fail against the offside front brake hose for excessive chafing alongside another smoky exhaust reading and a headlamp aim defect. The trend therefore suggests an inconsistent maintenance pattern rather than stable condition, particularly given that the same smoke emission failure has appeared repeatedly across both 2014 and 2015 test cycles, and brake hose condition has been raised at consecutive tests. A prospective buyer should view this history as evidence that the vehicle has been carrying unresolved wear issues between tests rather than benefiting from proactive rectification. With 192,324 miles recorded against a 2010 build date, this 407 has covered approximately 12,020 miles per year, which is substantially above the national average and points to genuinely high long-distance or commuter use. There are no extended standing periods evident in the MOT cadence, with tests appearing in 2013, 2014 and 2015 at reasonably regular intervals; the gaps between tests are consistent with active service rather than periods of storage. Sustained high mileage on a Peugeot 407 of this vintage typically accelerates wear on the diesel engine ancillaries, clutch and dual mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and wheel bearings. The recurring smoke emission failure on a diesel of this age is particularly significant, as it frequently indicates worn piston rings, turbo seal degradation, injector over-fueling, or EGR contamination, all of which are expensive rectification items on a high-mileage unit. Because the MOT history identifies brake hose and brake pipe defects on both the front and rear axle, a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the entire braking system is essential. The nearside front brake hose was advisories in 2014 and the offside front was failed for excessive chafing, while the nearside rear pipe was failed for inadequate support in 2015, suggesting that brake pipework across the vehicle has been deteriorating over time. On the road, listen for any sponginess in the pedal, grinding or binding from seized caliper slides, and uneven tyre wear which can point to a sticking caliper. Physically inspect all visible brake pipes, hoses and unions for corrosion, cracking, bulging, and perished rubber, particularly along the underbody and behind the wheels where road grime and salt accumulate. Any corrosion or weeping around brake line joints on a sixteen-year-old high-mileage car should be regarded as an immediate rectification cost. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and mileage related items warrant close attention before purchase. The 2010 build date means the 407 is now sixteen years old, so even if subsequent MOT history is not available, expect to check thoroughly for tyre sidewall perishing and cracking due to age regardless of tread depth, exhaust system corrosion particularly at the rear silencer and mounting rubbers, and suspension bushes for splitting and slack. Inspect the 12V battery for holding charge and check that the cooling system, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil have been changed on a calendar basis, as fluid degradation occurs with time even without high mileage. Given the diesel smoke history, on the test drive observe for blue smoke on startup that clears, black smoke under load suggesting overfueling, and any hesitation or turbo whistle irregularities, all of which could indicate deeper engine wear commensurate with this vehicle's substantial recorded use.