2010 Peugeot 207 1.4L Petrol · EA10 ABF

A recurring theme of constant velocity joint deterioration dominates this Peugeot 207's MOT record and represents the principal mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. The offside front drive shaft CV boot was first flagged as severely deteriorated at the May 2023 test, then progressed to a Major failure in January 2025 when the same boot was found to be split to the point that it could no longer prevent ingress of dirt. By January 2026 the boot had failed again, this time resulting in a Major defect on the failed test and a residual advisory on the subsequent pass seven days later. This three-year pattern of the same component being repeatedly flagged demonstrates either an incomplete repair at each intervention or accelerated wear, and the inner CV joint itself may now be compromised with contaminated grease and metal particle scoring. Additionally, the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover was recorded as no longer preventing dirt ingress in 2025, pairing with the CV joint issue to suggest the front offside suspension and drivetrain have been under sustained stress. The recorded mileage of 60,479 miles across approximately sixteen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,780 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age. A gap of nearly two years separates the 2023 and 2025 tests, with no recorded mileage during that window, suggesting either a period off the road or very limited use. Such low annual mileage typically reduces stress on major drivetrain components but conversely accelerates deterioration of rubber items such as CV boots, suspension bushes, brake hydraulic seals, and tyre sidewalls, as heat cycling is reduced and the components spend longer periods stationary under load. The January 2026 test recorded an oil leak classified as not excessive, a relatively common finding on older Peugeot engines that can originate from the cam cover gasket, sump, or front crankshaft seal. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be directed to the offside front wheel area. Listen for a rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front offside when turning at low speed, which would indicate inner or outer CV joint failure following the repeated boot defects. With the engine running, check for any visible oil staining around the engine block and undertray, and monitor whether the leak progresses beyond the not-excessive level currently recorded. Inspect the offside front tyre shoulder and sidewall closely for cracking, perishing, or exposed ply, as a dangerous tyre failure was recorded at the 2025 test alongside a nail in the nearside front and perishing on the offside rear; tyres on a low-mileage vehicle of this age are particularly susceptible to sidewall degradation and should ideally be replaced regardless of tread depth. The test drive should focus on the suspension and braking behaviour given the lower ball joint dust cover failure and the advisory noting corroded rear coil springs on both sides from 2023. Listen for clonking or rattling over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the rear, which would indicate the corroded springs have progressed to weakness or fracture. Check for steering pull to either side under braking, uneven brake pedal feel, or any binding in the calipers after a sustained stop, as sixteen-year-old braking components with limited use can suffer from seized slider pins and uneven pad wear. Finally, verify that both rear stop lamps illuminate correctly, including under light pedal pressure, since an offside rear stop lamp failure was a Major defect at the January 2026 test and is a straightforward item to confirm before purchase.