2001 Peugeot 206 1.4L Petrol · EX51 BJU
2001 Peugeot 206 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 19 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 74,150 miles. MOT expired on 08 Jun 2023.
- Make & Model
- PEUGEOT 206
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Jun 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 74,150 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EX51 BJU Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 11/05/2023
- 74,150 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EX51 BJU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Peugeot 206 (EX51 BJU) between June 2022 and May 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 11 May 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))”; “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
EX51 BJU Mileage History
- 10/06/202272,620 mi
- 11/05/202374,150 mi+1,530 mi
Average of roughly 1,669 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Peugeot 206
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution – the 2001 Peugeot 206 has a low mileage for its age but recent major MOT failures suggest significant mechanical work may be needed.
Before committing, request a full service history and confirm whether the major issues flagged in the 2023 MOT have been rectified. Look for evidence of oil leak repairs, exhaust system replacement or a recent emissions test pass – without these, you may face costly repairs to bring the car back to a road‑worthy state. Negotiate the price down to reflect the need for a new exhaust gasket, possible engine oil seal replacement, and any work required on the lambda sensor system.
The vehicle’s age means rust and corrosion are common concerns; check the underbody, wheel arches and door sills for any signs of rust, especially around the front suspension where multiple advisory notes about shock absorber oil misting and suspension bush wear have appeared. Verify that the front brake hoses and anti‑roll bar linkages have been replaced or are in good condition, as they have been flagged repeatedly since 2015. A recent tyre set and fresh brake pads would be a plus, reducing immediate out‑of‑pocket expenses.
If you are comfortable with a DIY approach or have a trusted mechanic, the low mileage could still make this a viable project car, but factor in the cost of addressing the major MOT failures and the cumulative advisory items. Ensure any purchase includes a warranty or a short‑term guarantee to protect against unforeseen breakdowns shortly after acquisition.
The 1.4 L petrol engine in the 206 typically achieves around 45–50 mpg (imperial) on mixed driving, making fuel costs relatively modest for a car of this size. As a pre‑Euro 5 vehicle, it falls into the higher CO₂ emission band, attracting an annual road tax of roughly £150‑£200 depending on the exact emissions figure.
Insurance groups for the 2001 206 are usually in the lower range (Group 4‑6), so premiums should be affordable for most drivers, especially those with a clean claims history. Routine maintenance – such as oil changes, brake fluid flushes and periodic suspension component checks – is inexpensive, but be prepared for occasional larger outlays (e.g., exhaust system repair, oil seal replacement) which could push the annual running cost to between £800 and £1,000.
Focus on the areas highlighted in the 2023 MOT failure: inspect the engine for oil leaks around the gasket and oil pan, and verify that the exhaust system is intact with no visible cracks or holes. The lambda sensor should be tested for proper operation, as the emissions reading was out of spec.
Examine the front suspension and steering components closely. The MOT advisory notes mention oil mist on both front shock absorbers and play in the steering rack inner joint, so look for signs of leaking shock absorber boots and any looseness in the steering rack. Also, check the condition of the brake hoses and anti‑roll bar linkages, which have been flagged as deteriorating or having slight play in multiple years.
Finally, assess the condition of the front brake pads, discs, and tyres. The 2014 advisory indicated thin pads and tyres close to the legal limit, so confirm whether these have been replaced. Inspect the lower suspension arm rubber bushes for deterioration, as repeated advisories suggest progressive wear that could affect ride quality and handling.
This 2001 red Peugeot 206 (1.4 L petrol) has only 74,150 mi on the clock, well below the typical mileage for a 25‑year‑old car. The MOT record shows a clean run of passes until 2022, but the 2023 test revealed three major failures – oil leak, exhaust leak and out‑of‑spec lambda readings – indicating possible engine and emissions system problems. A long list of advisory items (brake hoses, shock absorbers, suspension bush wear) points to age‑related wear that will need attention. Value for money is limited unless the buyer is prepared for remedial work.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Peugeot 206, but the MOT history of this individual car shows a pattern of age‑related wear typical for a vehicle of its age.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: PEUGEOT 206
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Head Gasket Failure (1.4/1.6 Petrols)(Serious)
The 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are known for head gasket failures, especially on cars that have been overheated or poorly maintained. Symptoms include coolant loss, white exhaust smoke and overheating.
- Central Locking Actuator Failure(Moderate)
The door lock actuators fail regularly on the 206, leaving doors unable to lock or unlock remotely. The driver's door is typically the first to go.
- Rear Beam Axle Corrosion(Moderate)
The rear beam axle can corrode severely on UK cars, particularly in salt-laden coastal areas. Heavy rust can lead to structural weakness and MOT failure.
- Lambda Sensor Failure(Moderate)
The oxygen (lambda) sensor fails regularly, causing poor fuel economy, failed emissions tests and engine management warning lights.
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PEUGEOT 206 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Head Gasket Failure (1.4/1.6 Petrols)Serious
The 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines are known for head gasket failures, especially on cars that have been overheated or poorly maintained. Symptoms include coolant loss, white exhaust smoke and overheating.
- Central Locking Actuator FailureModerate
The door lock actuators fail regularly on the 206, leaving doors unable to lock or unlock remotely. The driver's door is typically the first to go.
- Rear Beam Axle CorrosionModerate
The rear beam axle can corrode severely on UK cars, particularly in salt-laden coastal areas. Heavy rust can lead to structural weakness and MOT failure.
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