2004 Peugeot Boxer 2.2L Diesel · BX04 AEZ

A remarkably sparse MOT history defines this twenty-two year old Peugeot Boxer, with only three test entries spread across 2023, 2024, and 2025 and notably no recorded advisories or defect descriptions on either the passes or the failures. The two failed tests in July 2024 and July 2025, both dated within days of subsequent passes on the same calendar date, suggest that on each occasion a relatively straightforward rectification was carried out and a re-test was issued the same day, a common sequence for commercial vehicles. The absence of any corrosion advisories, brake component flags, or suspension notes across the available record is unusual for a vehicle of this vintage and implies either exceptionally clean structural condition or simply that the van has covered insufficient mileage for wear-related defects to manifest on test. On balance, the trend presented by this file is one of consistent roadworthiness, with the most recent outcome on 9 July 2025 being a pass with no defects recorded. At 46,249 miles against a 2004 manufacture date, this Boxer has averaged roughly 2,100 miles per year, which is exceptionally low even by light commercial standards. Such a figure over more than two decades strongly indicates long stationary periods interspersed with occasional use, and this usage profile carries specific mechanical consequences. Engines, gearboxes, and final drives that sit idle for extended stretches suffer accelerated degradation of internal oil seals, with particular risk of oil leaks from the crankshaft seals, sump gasket, and gearbox input seals once the vehicle is returned to regular service. Brake calipers and wheel cylinders seize when stationary in damp conditions, brake disc corrosion can become severe enough to cause judder on the first applications, and the dry-rotting of rubber hydraulic lines and suspension bushes accelerates without the protective cycling of fluid and flexing of components. Diesel fuel systems left standing can also suffer particulate contamination and microbial growth in the tank, leading to filter blockages and injector wear on reactivation. Given the sparse advisory history, a buyer cannot rely on the MOT file alone to predict condition and must therefore undertake a particularly thorough physical inspection and test drive. On starting from cold, listen for timing chain rattle, injector tappet noise, and any excessive smoke from the exhaust that would indicate valve guide or turbo wear accumulated during standing periods. During the road test, pay close attention to brake pedal firmness and feel for any judder or pulling that would suggest corroded or warped discs, and verify that the handbrake holds effectively on an incline as seized rear calipers are common on low-use vans. Check for uneven pulling under braking or vibration through the steering column that could indicate worn front suspension components, and inspect the underside for any oil misting around the engine and gearbox that would confirm seal degradation. Road springs and shock absorbers should be examined for sagging or fluid residue respectively, as these suffer from standing as much as from mileage. Finally, the structural and corrosion integrity of the Boxer body and subframe deserves close scrutiny despite the clean MOT file, because MOT testing only assesses corrosion at specific load-bearing points and a van of this age frequently shows significant surface rust on the floor pans, wheel arches, and crossmembers that would not appear as an advisory. Examine the condition of the exhaust system and mounting rubbers, as hangers perish during long idle periods, and verify that the tyres are within date and showing even wear, because tyres older than five years may have hardened significantly on a low-mileage vehicle. Check the date of the last cambelt and clutch service if documentation exists, as these items degrade by time rather than by mileage and represent the largest forthcoming expenditure on any twenty-two year old commercial vehicle. With low recorded mileage comes the necessity to budget for age-related consumable replacement, but the clean test history suggests this particular Boxer has been reasonably well maintained.