2017 Peugeot Partner 1.6L Diesel · FD67 NGN

The Peugeot Partner’s most recent MOT test on December 3, 2024, at 180,687 miles passed without defects, but the preceding failure on December 2, 2024—just 24 hours earlier—exposes critical oversight. The immediate recurrence of a major exhaust leak and near-side rear tyre wear suggests either a rushed or negligent pre-test repair, with the exhaust fault persisting despite being classified as a major defect. While lighting issues dominated earlier failures (2023 and 2022), their resolution in the most recent cycle implies a shift from cosmetic or electrical neglect to more pressing mechanical concerns. The vehicle’s roadworthiness is currently stable only in the narrow window of its last pass, but the pattern of deferred maintenance—particularly the exhaust leak—demands urgent verification. The mileage progression reveals aggressive usage, with 21,634 miles logged between December 2022 and December 2024, averaging over 24,000 miles annually. This is unsustainable for a vehicle of this age, accelerating wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components far beyond typical expectations. The gap between tests—consistently annual—aligns with legal requirements but does little to mitigate cumulative stress. Notably, the 2023 failure at 158,053 miles, followed by a clean pass at the same mileage the next day, suggests either a rushed inspection or a deliberate bypass of underlying issues. Such behaviour often correlates with owners deferring necessary repairs until the last possible moment. A buyer should prioritise an immediate visual and functional inspection of the exhaust system, particularly the flexi pipe and near-side rear section, where the major leak was recorded. The tyre tread on the near-side rear should be measured for depth and edge wear, as the 2024 failure indicated it had been driven dangerously close to the legal limit. Suspension components—especially rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, given the high mileage and aggressive usage pattern. The braking system warrants thorough testing for binding calipers or uneven disc wear, as rear brake faults were implied in the 2024 failure, though not explicitly stated. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should also be scrutinised for corrosion, as prolonged exposure to road salts and heavy use often accelerates rust in this class of vehicle.